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Hairy Wonder
09-21-08, 06:36
I just felt I had to give my input here on the marriage debate. I have been married twice. Once to an American, and once to a Korean (whom I'm still trying to cut ties with. Any suggestions?) After my most recent separation (or more likely for a while prior to it) I began testing the waters. I used to think that Koreans were the most beautiful women in the world. I still feel that there are some here that are hard to beat. But since the massive import of BG's from mainly the Phils in the late 90's, my eyes have been open to the rest of the world. I still feel that Asian women are far more beautiful and women of the western world. And many of them are friendlier, and have much better attitudes than western women as well. Sadly, the American influence in Korea has rubbed off on the women here, and they are becoming very prudish (or I'm getting very ugly and discusting). Back on track though. I have been in the bed with many BG. Some of them gave me a ride that was very difficult to forget. Others, I was glad only when it was over and she had left. But all of them cost me dearly (because p4p is so much more expensive here).
Over the last year, I encountered a BG that was a little different. She did not ask for me to buy her drinks, and would actually refuse them if I offered. She never asked me to BF her, or take her out to be wined and dined. When she suddenly moved away, I thought I had lost a real jewel. She surprised me about a month later by contacting me out of the blue and telling me she wanted to meet. She was once again working at a bar, but promised that I would not have to spend a lot of money to have her stay with me while I visited. And she held true to her word. The only money I spent, was the table fee (a rip off charge the Koreans impose) and my own drinks. After the bar closed, she accompanied me to my motel room. Being the horney toad that I am, I fully expected an all night romp in the bed. However, when I suggested this, she explained to me that she was a virgin. She spent the night with me but would not consent to sex. Sometime later, I convinced her to move in with me. For the first week, there was no sex, even though I tried everyday! Finally, as I was about to fall asleep one night, I felt her pull off my shorts and she climbed aboard. I am convinced that this was her first time, as she was so tight it almost hurt me! I could tell that she was in quite a bit of pain as well. After that night, we had sex everyday. Our sessions would last at least and hour, with one going 3 hours (a personal record for me). She is very sensitive, and has mutilple orgasms everytime. I had to teach her some things, and still do. But it has been amazing. During this time, we have become much like a married couple. I have had to give up most of my mongering habbits (which is why I've not been posting for quite some time), and delete out the girls I had on my YM list. But I have enjoyed every minute I have been with her. She was forced to return to the PI (and NO! I won't give her details to anyone.) because her visa her was expired. I miss her greatly. But (as is evident by my postings here) the temptation to return to my mongering ways is growing. I am debating with myself daily about whether I should give up mongering and dedicate myself to her or not. I would truly hate to lose such a gem. But I hate to lose the excitement of the hunt as well.
As for marrying a BG or a virgin, I think it doesn't matter. My GF was both, until she gave herself to me. None of her family suffered as a result of her maintaining her pride.
In fact, I think that as a result of her refusing to give into the BG custom, as so many do, it made her more desireable to many men. She was like the big prize everyone wanted to win. Fortunately for me, she states that she liked what she saw the first time I walked in (I keep looking in the mirror trying to figure out what that might have been. :D ) I didn't see it personally, but she says she was offered $1000 if she would simple dance naked in front of one of the customers. Again, according to her, she refused the offer because of her pride. I have no reason to doubt her. So I accept what she has told me.
On to the other portion of my post:
I am very interested in moving to the Philippines and finding work there, or setting up a business of my own that would sustain me and allow for any extra moneys I might need. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or tips from those of you that have already done this. I'm not very well off financially, and the Ex is trying to get what little I have. So I would be working off of a limited budget to begin with.
Happy mongering!
HW
Nice story. It was even good for a chuckle (see quote).
On that theme, I once dated a really cute Japanese college girl about 15 years younger than myself. She'd come to my place once a week. First we'd cook dinner and eat. Then to the showers. I'd lick her to her first orgasm, and then ride her for mine. There was usually a second session, but I wasn't always able to perform to completion. She always seemed to have a great time. Then she'd go home. It was like a dream come true.
At some point she revealed that her first lover was her uni professor. Older and uglier than I! So, older, looks like my daddy, seemed to be her type -- thank the stars! My other theory is that she was relatively inexperience and she saw the inner X-man, the kind, considerate, caring, generous man that I am. And that was the kind of man she needed to learn more about all those great feelings she'd been feeling between her legs. Fk, I was her sex education toy!
There's also a great story about how I picked her up, but unfortunately can't share it here.
Ah, the good old days....but, I have digressed.
As for living in the Philippines.... you might be better off working in a high-wage country and then visiting Phil. (as I do) or even think long term...retirement (as I also do).
My Korean guy friends assure me that Korean women have become holy terrors. (sorry for the overgeneralization / stereotype) I don't think that it is because of American influence though...do you mean thru Hollywood movies?
Good luck with your plans and your lady and the ex-old lady.
X
Fortunately for me, she states that she liked what she saw the first time I walked in (I keep looking in the mirror trying to figure out what that might have been. :D ) HW
Soapy Smith
09-21-08, 08:21
HW. I can't give you good advice about setting up a business in the Philippines. Others who participate in the forum have much more experience in those matters than I have.
But I will tell you to trust your gut where the Pinay girlfriend is concerned. Various forum participants often try to put all bargirls in a single category -- they're all just looking for a ticket to the U.S. (or Oz, or Europe), and then they'll screw you by running off; or, they're tied into some Pinoy boyfirend and they'll just milk you to send monthly payments to them in the PI while they screw other guys. Obviously all these situations do exist, and any Western man who has taken a few Pinays out of Philippine bars has probably fairly quickly diagnosed all these types of motives. But I will argue that there is more variety among these women than many of our reports suggest.
The Philippines is a poor country, and the dream of most Filipinos is to somehow get to the U.S. (first choice) or Europe or Australia. Their dreams are reinforced by some Filipino or Filipina neighbor or relative who moved to the U.S. and sends back money and comes back periodically bearing various Balikbayan gifts. So bargirls have this in common: they're poor and they have dreams. And for all the scammers that we all know about, there are also occasional young bargirls who might actually fall in love with a Westerner. Why? Who knows? Because he's gentle with her during sex and treats her tenderly and respectfully -- like you did by not pushing your GF to have sex before she was ready. Because he takes her out dining or dancing, rather than tying up all their time together with sex. We need to remember that they're as capable of reading "motives" in us and how we treat them as we are capable of reading their exploitive motives.
I have taken this more supportive stance based on my own experiences with a FL that I plucked from the LA Cafe during my most recent visit to PI. I've taken away my share of mercenaries from the Cafe, but the more time I spent with this one the more she seemed to be different. I mean, she catered to me like Mary Magdalene washing Christ's feet with her hair. She would prepare food she'd cooked in her mother's kitchen and bring it to me in my hotel room. I was gentle and tender with her, always attending to her orgasms as well as my own, always going with her to retrieve her ID from the hotel doormen, always taking her to dinner and breakfast before and after our non-stop sex. She told me about her previous customers -- a man who hired her and another woman to sit naked in chairs while he masturbated without touching them, a German who'd drunk too much, had trouble cumming, and pounded at her until she could barely walk, and others. In the end I think this woman who was half my age fell in love with me, all based on five nights and days spent together. I am married, and I explained this to her. So she wanted me to take her to the states to be a servant. She begged me to move to RP. I told her I couldn't. She insisted I tell her when I would return to the PI. I told her I might never be back (I hope not, but I did not want to create any hope in her mind that things could work out). When I left for the airport she cried like a baby. The crying was bad enough, but the sex, frankly, was the best I'd had in 30 years. It was very tough to leave, but it just wouldn't have worked. My point is that, despite the large percentage of bargirls that have mercenary views of their interactions with Western customers, there are still some who are capable of genuinely loving emotions. It is not a myth that young attractive Pinays sometimes find older Western men quite attractive. In a mind that has been repeatedly manipulated by images from Western movies and in which the dream of getting out of poverty is tied to some Western ideal, even an older man may appear to be a Knight on a white stallion.
Nvslim and GoodEnough are Western men who have found lasting relationships with Pinays. It is possible their wives have more formal education than your GF, but if that's not an important criterion for you, it needn't be a barrier in a future relationship. I do think that your desire to work in the Philippines is a plus for making a relationship with a Pinay work. You have some experience that teaches you about relationships that don't work in marriage. You need to be honest with yourself. Just make sure you're being led from your gut rather than from your hard manhood.
Skip Kost
I am very interested in moving to the Philippines and finding work there, or setting up a business of my own that would sustain me and allow for any extra moneys I might need. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or tips from those of you that have already done this. I'm not very well off financially, and the Ex is trying to get what little I have. So I would be working off of a limited budget to begin with.
Happy mongering!
HW
Real-estate: buy some condos…rent them out.
Web Design/IT: if you could design websites online for start-up companies etc….or market products over the net.
Manufacturing: Start manufacturing something. Hire Pinoys to work there and sale your product abroad The Philippines has a host of indigenous things to sale, coconuts, Narra wood etc…
Trading: This is something I do in addition to my 9-5. Trade stocks or currency online. You need a small investment of about $300 to get started. It’s risky but can be quite profitable. I trade currency and I usually make anywhere from 200 dollars to 100 dollars a day when I do it. In one week I made $2000. I have also lost as much as 800 dollars in a matter of minutes :) This was when I was a neophyte.
Public Transportation: a lot of Filipinos don’t own cars and public transportation is second-rate at best. Perhaps with a little capital you could provide a better service.
Disclaimer: except for day trading currencies I have no firsthand knowledge of any of these options they are just my thoughts and only my thoughts.
GoodEnough
09-21-08, 12:40
This is being written from Cambodia in response to the last two posts.
First, regarding setting up a business here. There's an old adage, true in more cases than not, that the way to make a small fortune in the Philippines is to start with a large one.
Remember, not only is this a thoroughly corrupt country with someone's hand in your pocket or hovering over your pocket with every transaction, but as a foreigner, you're easy prey. As soon as you show any hint of being reasonably successful anyone of hundred of well-connected Filipinos can come and take everything you have...and they will bend the legal system to make sure that whatever they do is "legal." There are some guys to make serious money in enterprises that they start here, but there are very few, and those that I know are extraordinarily well connected, have been here for years, and know exactly what they're doing, how far they can go, and how to select their local partners.
If you do not know any of this, be extremely cautious. Do not take the work of a girlfriend that she knows all about. Believe me, she doesn't. Better to speak long and hard with some other expats who have "made it" and get some advice from them.
Daddy Warbucks does not actually do his trading in the Philippines, but over the Internet from the Philippines, and that's a huge difference from risking capital in the country. I believe his story completely, but the fact is, he could be doing his trading from almost any country in the world. He just happens to be in the Philippines. I know several others here who do day trading in stocks, and most of them do okay, but again, it's an avocation that could be conducted almost anywhere and does not depend at all on wending one's way through corrupt political systems.
Skip Kost's report was one of the best I've read on the establishment of relationships here. Yes, there is a plethora of scammers, and yes, it's best to think with your big head at all times. Having said that, there are also loads of beautiful, intelligent, caring women who spend their lives waiting for the right Westerner. These may be B girls, secretaries, doctors, lawyers or whatever, but they can be found.
Many women here--including almost all of those who work in bars, but thousands of others as well--have been totally screwed over by local men. Some have been abandoned during pregnancy. Others have been beaten half to death. Still others have been virtually "sold" by their families into lives of prostitution. They're scarred, they're often cynical and more often than not, they're scared of caring about anyone. If you can find one of these women, and treat her with some gentleness, and just a little bit of respect for her as a person, then you've got a chance at something wonderful.
Having said all of the above, it's difficult to be absolutely certain that you can trust. You can devise various tests; you can look for inconsistencies in stories, but you may never be entirely comfortable with total trust. My advice here is proceed very slowly before giving complete trust, particularly where money is concerned. I guess I'm cynical enough to believe that 100% trust should never be granted. Remember that all Filipinos lie. It's part of the culture, to save face, to save you from embarrassment, or to circumvent unpleasant truths. Therefore, you're never going to be sure what what you're hearing is 100% true, so the best you can do is to put yourself in a position where getting 100% of the truth is just not that important. Another unpleasant truism, that may not apply in 100% of the cases, but sure applies in at least 95% of them is that Filipinas simply cannot manage money. They will spend whatever you give them. This is an impulse-driven, poverty-stricken consumer culture where it's easy to confuse "want" with "need."
GE
My peso (worth 2 cents):
Trust is the most important aspect of doing business in the Phils. First, foreigners can only own 40% of a business or corporation. The exceptions to this rule all require much deeper pockets than you or I have. I believe foreigners can also own 100% of an export-based business, but I'm not clear on that one. So ... that means that you must find one or more locals you can trust with the other 60%. And yes even your trusted associates will lie to you. Go with your gut, not your little head.
Another aspect of business in the Phils that is often overlooked is money management. Most filipinos have no concept of this. For instance, if you're in a seasonal business that does better in the warm and hot season than it does in the rainy season, then of course it makes sense to save enough money to cover expenses during the rainy season. But the typical filipino who lives in the have money, spend it mindset is of no help to you.
One more thing that can make money management difficult is if your partners' and their families constantly have their hands out because you are the rich kano. So you have to watch that these locals and their connections don't start treating you like an ATM.
Hairy Wonder
09-22-08, 09:47
Thanks to all who have offered tips and advice on my question.
I'm not really picky about where I live. I would prefer someplace where they speak english, which seems to eliminate most of Asia, except for the Philippines. As I have not made up my mind yet about a 3rd marriage (would that be "3 times is a charm," or "3rd strike and you're out?"), I would like to be where the mongering possibilities are good. As I said, Korea has pretty much dried up. And what is available, is way over priced. So again, my little head's compass keeps pointing to the Philippines. I've heard a lot of good (and bad) things about Thailand, and a few other nearby countries. And I certainly want to check them out. But I still think I favor the PI. I guess the biggest thing I would want to do first, is scope out areas away from Manila. I don't understand why the PI government doesn't clean up the area around the airports. You would think that they would at least want to make a good first impression. But then again, I know that many areas in the homeland are not prize winners either. I guess I will just have to pay attention to all the cuties, and ignore the surroundings. :D
Thanks again!
Happy Mongering!
HW
I was in Phil last year and intend going back there in February for a month to do some due dilligence, I liked the place very much and considering living there. I figured that if I save and invest very hard for the next 5 years it means I would be able to retire at 52 in PI. The plan is to invest my savings in stock markets in my home country and survive on my profits until my retirement pension money becomes available once I reach 61.
Instead of starting a business rather invest in your own country and channel the profits to phil, that sounds like a safe option to me.
Once you settle in PI remember you will get bored hanging around doing nothing, I love fishing and consider to purchase a boat, and who knows take some tourists game fishing, secondly I would like to get involved in charity work, teach kids computers at schools etc.
Thirdly if I am lucky and meet a nice PI lady I will marry her. The last time I was in PI I met 3 of them that I met on a chat site, and amazingly they were great woman and truthfull and honest, the problem is that they all fell in love with me, but I told them up front friends only, what I am trying to say is do not get involved with the first woman you meet, there are plenty, but please respect them and see how far you get.
Ps. Why work until you to old to enjoy your retirement, get rid of all your debts now and start saving and enjoy early retirement, I have learnt that buying flashy cars is just a waste of money, quality of life is freedom and not to worry every day about debt repayments.
Good luck to everyone who wants to live in PI, I think it is a great choice.
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.
Redfield10
09-30-08, 00:28
Dumpy,
If the market has many more days like this, you might want to have a backup plan.
Dumpy,
If the market has many more days like this, you might want to have a backup plan.You are so right,hey I am no stock advisor but think logically, when everyone sells you buy, what a lovely time to invest right now, if one view your investments as a 5 year term you should be fine, then again nothing in life is certain.
Redfield10
09-30-08, 21:35
I agree. It's a good time to buy!
You are so right, hey I am no stock advisor but think logically, when everyone sells you buy, what a lovely time to invest right now, if one view your investments as a 5 year term you should be fine, then again nothing in life is certain.
LoveAsianWhores
10-01-08, 18:13
I am very interested in moving to the Philippines and finding work there, or setting up a business of my own that would sustain me and allow for any extra moneys I might need. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or tips from those of you that have already done this. I'm not very well off financially, and the Ex is trying to get what little I have. So I would be working off of a limited budget to begin with.I live in Subic and know many sucessful expats and many unsucessfull ones. People who were sucessfull in the country they came from, and went into the same line of business here, generally not only do well, but do better than where they came from. Those that entered a business that they had no experiance with, generally fail, and typically lose everything.
Don't take this the wrong way, but based on your question, you would appear to fall under the latter group. I mean, you are coming here with a limited budget, apparently no regular income, and are looking for ideas? I do quite well, but I do the same thing that I was doing back in the US. But things are so much cheaper, I have a much better standard of living. It seams quite unlikely that you could succeed here in ANY business that you have no experiance at.
But on a different note, I wouldn't worry about any issues with the bussiness environment here. The vast majority of expats that do fail, do so because they were not very good at what they were doing, and has little to do with corruption or some well connected person taking it away (as long as you stay legal of course).
For the most part, only retail (which includes restaurants, bars, hotels etc) and real estate is subject to the 40% ownership rule. Export, import, business to business, IT, commercial, wholesale, industrial, e-commerce are all business you can own 100% of. And best of all, once you obtain permanent residency, you owe absolutely zero income tax as long as the customers are all outside of the Philippines.
Hairy Wonder
10-02-08, 14:11
Don't take this the wrong way, but based on your question, you would appear to fall under the latter group.
DAMN!!!! Am I easy to read or what? :D
You are correct LAW. I have no experience at running my own business. That, and the cheaper prices in the Philippines, are why I thought it would be a good place to try and get my feet wet. My train of thought was, "Why invest $10,000 (or much more) into a business in the USA that might fail, when you would be risking far less in the Philippines?"
Your advice, and that given by the other mongering businessmen here, has made me sit back and re-think things. While I still don't want to continue to work for someone else the rest of my life, I will reconsider ways to have an income if I move to the Philippines.
Thanks to all!
HW
I think doing business is really hard from what I've seen the infrastructure sucks. Filipinos aren't what you would call resourceful people or motivated compared to other countries thats not a put down, there culture is spanish base much more laid back attitude than the rest of asia. If they have enough for today than thats good enough. With that being said labor is still really cheap so you could export things out to countries like japan. Only real business that I would consider opening is high end girl bar with really hot top notch killer girls high end vegas style. Most of the clubs in PI like rest of asia are amaturish in style
Only real business that I would consider opening is high end girl bar with really hot top notch killer girls high end vegas style. Most of the clubs in PI like rest of asia are amaturish in style
I take it you have never been to the high end KTVs like Pegasus or the hottest disco in Manila the Embassy located at the Fort?
Hmmm, late 80s, the Japanese Nikei index was over 40,000 before it went into free fall -- partly because of real estate / financial market meltdown (sound familiar?).
Under 11,000 last time I checked. Ouch.
X
You are so right,hey I am no stock advisor but think logically, when everyone sells you buy, what a lovely time to invest right now, if one view your investments as a 5 year term you should be fine, then again nothing in life is certain.
I take it you have never been to the high end KTVs like Pegasus or the hottest disco in Manila the Embassy located at the Fort?Ohh, has the Embassy reopened?
Not a bad place to have a good friday night out.
Wizard
I take it you have never been to the high end KTVs like Pegasus or the hottest disco in Manila the Embassy located at the Fort?
I've been and the girls are cute all of them, much so than your regular bar girls, good environment way better than typical bar. . The girls aren't as refined or the environment isn't as upscale as what I would consider upscale. Keep in mind that everyone has his or her own definition of upscale mine is not about bling. If you get a chance Daddy, check out the Geisha in Japan, they can do no wrong I tell you. Now if they can only package a really hot hot geisha thats great in bed that would be the ideal woman.
You are so right,hey I am no stock advisor but think logically, when everyone sells you buy, what a lovely time to invest right now, if one view your investments as a 5 year term you should be fine, then again nothing in life is certain.
Oh those guys on wall street its like herd of of cattle when its time to sell or buy. People or organization have money they sell buy off taking short position for easy money, they are not like you and me who always bet on long position. Right now would be an excellent time to buy stocks in good company. I think J.P. Morgan or someone said buy when there blood in the streets! If you buy into coke, G.E. or cash cows companies like that right now in 5 years you going to be looking pretty.
Fastpiston
10-12-08, 15:26
For those of you who are considering starting a business in the Philippines, you may be interested in the World Bank survey on ease of starting a new business. Philippines ranked 133 out of 178 countries. In respect of corruption, the recent Transparency Institute ranked Philippines below all SE Asia countries except Myanmar (chart obtainable from Economist magazine).
Where do most of you guys live?
Since putting the house in your girl name is foolish (what most of you think) as I did.
Where do most of you guys live?
Since putting the house in your girl name is foolish (what most of you think) as I did.
I believe you can own a condo . i was thinking of purchasing ones since they are pretty cheap. in cebu condo start at 18,000 and up. In manila i was quoted 32,000 for single bedroom in good new development area.
Wicked Roger
10-16-08, 20:08
In light of recent this is a true and very recent tale of a good friend. Read and digest. And he not daft or stupid although after reading this you may think otherwise........
Just a cautionary tale about a good friend of mine not an ISG monger but a monger all the same, regular visitor to the Philippines. He plays with many young ladies all bisexual (if not bi he does not date them)
Had a number of LT girlfriends during the years and found one he really liked –she was bisexual, had her own girlfriend, brought her along to play with him/her and found others for him, so ideal for most of us :D
Cut a long story short, got engaged, bought land, her name on the documents, house built, appliances installed, the whole lot. Went back to the Philippines recently ended up there 2 months. Why? She had done a runner with the appliances with her Pinoy boyfriend (:() Seems family knew all this and no-one told him
So he lost an awful lot but luckily he knows the Chief of Police in the 2 main cities close to his property and has brought a case of ‘swindling’ (forgotten the Tagalog word) against her and the family. So now the family are trying to find his ex girlfriend before all police lock everyone away – naturally he is making donation to a worthy police charity to ensure this.
He did not think with his todger, I know him well and partied with him. Sensible old guy who likes fun and was with this lady for 15-18 months. But he did put her name on the documents as he preferred a house to a condo. Now he prefers a condo and I have offered the contacts of a few ladies to overcome his ‘grief’ and will meet him when am next back to ‘celebrate’ his ex being in jail
So a cautionary tale to all of us. Despite all our best efforts the LBFMs can still make your life a misery. And buy a condo ......
In light of recent this is a true and very recent tale of a good friend. Read and digest. And he not daft or stupid although after reading this you may think otherwise........
Just a cautionary tale about a good friend of mine not an ISG monger but a monger all the same, regular visitor to the Philippines. He plays with many young ladies all bisexual (if not bi he does not date them)
Had a number of LT girlfriends during the years and found one he really liked –she was bisexual, had her own girlfriend, brought her along to play with him/her and found others for him, so ideal for most of us :D
Cut a long story short, got engaged, bought land, her name on the documents, house built, appliances installed, the whole lot. Went back to the Philippines recently ended up there 2 months. Why? She had done a runner with the appliances with her Pinoy boyfriend (:() Seems family knew all this and no-one told him
So he lost an awful lot but luckily he knows the Chief of Police in the 2 main cities close to his property and has brought a case of ‘swindling’ (forgotten the Tagalog word) against her and the family. So now the family are trying to find his ex girlfriend before all police lock everyone away – naturally he is making donation to a worthy police charity to ensure this.
He did not think with his todger, I know him well and partied with him. Sensible old guy who likes fun and was with this lady for 15-18 months. But he did put her name on the documents as he preferred a house to a condo. Now he prefers a condo and I have offered the contacts of a few ladies to overcome his ‘grief’ and will meet him when am next back to ‘celebrate’ his ex being in jail
So a cautionary tale to all of us. Despite all our best efforts the LBFMs can still make your life a misery. And buy a condo ......
So you think a condo is the way to go right? I would prefer to buy land etc.. that would be long term ownership but PI doesn't allow this am I correct? I wonder how much money do you have to bribe someone to become a pi citizen so you can own property :)
So you think a condo is the way to go right? I would prefer to buy land etc.. that would be long term ownership but PI doesn't allow this am I correct? I wonder how much money do you have to bribe someone to become a pi citizen so you can own property :)
You cannot own land in the Philippines. You cannot become a citizen. Their laws are racist. It’s that simple. Buy a condo or as Good Enough said buy a house then have a Filipino lease the land to you I am trying to do that right now. Mayne land or property is a big investment you need be in control. I bought mine in the heat of the moment in retrospect trying to right the wrong now…..I trust my girl a 100 percent but like I said when it’s your money and your investment you need to be in control.
FreebieFan
10-17-08, 02:17
Bought a condo in Fort Bonifacio a few years back and best thing I ever did.
Hated always being watched in Manila hotels on my visits there and now I have af urnished condo that I use and enjoy when Im there. Condo in my name, appreciating nicely, close to Makati, Burgos, Rockwell etc where I do my playing and I lock the door when Im not there. ( I dont live in Phils)
Its the only way to go if you want your name on the documents and want to be able to sell when you want.
You cannot own land in the Philippines. You cannot become a citizen. Their laws are racist. It’s that simple. Buy a condo or as Good Enough said buy a house then have a Filipino lease the land to you I am trying to do that right now. Mayne land or property is a big investment you need be in control. I bought mine in the heat of the moment in retrospect trying to right the wrong now…..I trust my girl a 100 percent but like I said when it’s your money and your investment you need to be in control.
Wait what do you mean buy a house and have a filipino lease the land to you? You mean build a house on someone else's property? I would assume thats one sure way to lose it all when the owner wants to take the house you built away from you. Yeah I guess PI law is like mexico.
Bought a condo in Fort Bonifacio a few years back and best thing I ever did.
Hated always being watched in Manila hotels on my visits there and now I have af urnished condo that I use and enjoy when Im there. Condo in my name, appreciating nicely, close to Makati, Burgos, Rockwell etc where I do my playing and I lock the door when Im not there. ( I dont live in Phils)
Its the only way to go if you want your name on the documents and want to be able to sell when you want.
If you don't mind me asking around how much is a decent condo in a good area cost. I was quoted 17k for single bedroom in a so call good part of manila. You wouldn't be like renting it out to isg members would you ;)
Wait what do you mean buy a house and have a filipino lease the land to you? You mean build a house on someone else's property? I would assume thats one sure way to lose it all when the owner wants to take the house you built away from you. Yeah I guess PI law is like mexico.
Lease means you will rent the land for years depending on the lenght of contract you and a lawyer write up.
Lease means you will rent the land for years depending on the lenght of contract you and a lawyer write up.
oh ok got it so you are still subject to if the owner gets over his head and the government takes away his land because he doesn't pay his taxes etc... I suppose that could hold true for condo too but less likely. I've always wanted like a small farm like thing close to cebu.
GoodEnough
10-18-08, 03:48
I have known a couple of guys here in Davao who have purchased land in the name of their wife and/or their children, and then signed 50 year leases for Php1 per year, giving them rights to the land. They then build houses which are in their own names. So far, this has worked.
However, as we all know, if the lady gets pissed, has reasonable connections, and decides she doesn't want you any more, your lease is about as valuable as used toilet paper. The bottom line is that as a foreigner, you have zero legal protection here, though you can obtain some very nice legal documents written on parchment paper with lots of attractive red seals, and sufficient whearases and wherefores.
Legal rights in this country do not exist outside the context of money and power. As a foreigner, you may have one, but you lack the other and you can be "legally" screwed out of what you thought was yours at any time.
I have known a couple of guys here in Davao who have purchased land in the name of their wife and/or their children, and then signed 50 year leases for Php1 per year, giving them rights to the land. They then build houses which are in their own names. So far, this has worked.
However, as we all know, if the lady gets pissed, has reasonable connections, and decides she doesn't want you any more, your lease is about as valuable as used toilet paper. The bottom line is that as a foreigner, you have zero legal protection here, though you can obtain some very nice legal documents written on parchment paper with lots of attractive red seals, and sufficient whearases and wherefores.
Legal rights in this country do not exist outside the context of money and power. As a foreigner, you may have one, but you lack the other and you can be "legally" screwed out of what you thought was yours at any time.
So Basically what you are saying a Condo is your best bet...?
I decided to sale the house and buy a condo for many different reasons. But...Buying a condo here is ridiculously hard. Most are all sold out in the hot spots the Fort and Makati. I have been calling, booking and emailing for two days straight incredible....
GoodEnough
10-20-08, 23:19
So Basically what you are saying a Condo is your best bet...?
That's what I'm saying. The problem with condos though, at least from the guys to whom I've spoken, and who bought them as investments, is that no one knows what the after market situation is. There's no solid history of resale values and, since new condos are being built all the time, it's easy (I guess) for a new buyer to purchase something new, rather than a "used" place.
I'm very conservative, and I've seen too much here, so I would never consider buying any property, condo, house or whatever, in this country but there are lots of expats who obviously do not share my concerns.
GE
That's what I'm saying. The problem with condos though, at least from the guys to whom I've spoken, and who bought them as investments, is that no one knows what the after market situation is. There's no solid history of resale values and, since new condos are being built all the time, it's easy (I guess) for a new buyer to purchase something new, rather than a "used" place.
I'm very conservative, and I've seen too much here, so I would never consider buying any property, condo, house or whatever, in this country but there are lots of expats who obviously do not share my concerns.
GE
What about all the money wasted on rent?
IgoforAsian
10-21-08, 04:49
What about all the money wasted on rent?Remember, if it flies, fucks, or floats, it is cheaper to rent!
Same goes for buying real estate at the peak of the speculative bubble. I guess the market has not yet crashed in Manila. I would wait until it does before buying in.
Just my 2 cents. I am sure a few certain people would love to disagree.
Cunning Stunt
10-21-08, 06:28
Just my tuppence. Last year when the Peso was 50 to the dollar and nearly 100 to the pound, I bought a new 2 bed condo near Makati in a quite lovely, low rise garden development. Paid cash and thus availed of a healthy discount which brought the price to under 2 million. At that price it struck me as a 'no lose' investment. Going price today for this condo is P2.8 so with the exchange differential (now 80 pesos to the pound), I am up over 10 thousand pound already on the deal. Now I'm not foolish enough to believe that, in the current economic climate, I could sell quickly. But these cheaper condo's are within the reach of the normal Filipino working joe and do shift. If I wanted to let it (I don't - its a nice little bolt hole, and much nicer to take a regular girlfriend to than a hotel), I would get about P20-25 T a month for it.
So its not a bad investment (and better than the stock exchange at the moment), but I would advise buying a cheaper condo, which might not be as spacious or plush, but is much easier to get rid of when you want to sell.
GoodEnough
10-21-08, 08:06
What about all the money wasted on rent?
Well, in my case it's a moot issue as my company pays it directly to the owner. However, even if I were paying, I would I think look at it as affording me the opportunity to get out of here quickly with no lingering ties and no financial loss. I can see both ways of looking at this, but I guess I've been here too long and heard too many horror stories to even think of investing here.
GE
Hairy Wonder
10-21-08, 14:17
On another topic here guys.
I'm trying to get into riding a motorcycle, as my Caravan is eating up to much gas, and falling apart from my daily driving routine. In order to do this, I'm taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, offered free on the military bases here in Korea.
I know that most things (not only the pussy) are cheap in the Philippines. I plan on visiting Manila sometime soon, and want to look for some motorcycle gear while I am there. Primarily, I'm thinking about a helmet (DOT or SNELL approved), and rain gear. Keep in mind, that I am your average veteran, with the big beer gut to prove it. Most clothing items in Korea won't fit me, due to my "much larger than the average Korean" size. Do you guys think I can find gear in Manila, at lower prices than online? Would it be authentic?
Thanks in advance, for any input on this!
HW
The money you spend to purchase a property can be sunk into other investments. Sometimes those investments do much better than a real estate purchase.
Maybe DW knows someone who purchased real estate in the Japan bubble -- how did that go?
X
What about all the money wasted on rent?
The money you spend to purchase a property can be sunk into other investments. Sometimes those investments do much better than a real estate purchase.
Maybe DW knows someone who purchased real estate in the Japan bubble -- how did that go?
X
....Looking to live in one. You will pay rent forever. Second thing is can't own land might have to throw the ole lady out as she is displaying increasing erratic behavior. She is doing things like getting angry due to text messages in my phone from various women in various countries with messages like I miss you. Multiple phone calls from strange Thai girls, girls from Pegasus etc…
I really don’t know what’s her problem.
Condo is best bet....:)
On another topic here guys.
I'm trying to get into riding a motorcycle, as my Caravan is eating up to much gas, and falling apart from my daily driving routine. In order to do this, I'm taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, offered free on the military bases here in Korea.
I know that most things (not only the pussy) are cheap in the Philippines. I plan on visiting Manila sometime soon, and want to look for some motorcycle gear while I am there. Primarily, I'm thinking about a helmet (DOT or SNELL approved), and rain gear. Keep in mind, that I am your average veteran, with the big beer gut to prove it. Most clothing items in Korea won't fit me, due to my "much larger than the average Korean" size. Do you guys think I can find gear in Manila, at lower prices than online? Would it be authentic?
Thanks in advance, for any input on this!
HW
Pi, stuff are crap and overprice compared to other asian countries that are 3rd world country. Many of their name brand thiings are fake or if not fake the quality is extremely sub par at least on the items you are looking for. Electronic products like sony lots of fake stuff from china with sony tag on them. Real stuff are watered down so Pi people can afford it so quality goes out the door. I would not expect to buy any safety products in PI, your life means much more than saving a few dollars. Try e-bay and pay for shipping. I'm surprise you can't buy the stuff on base.
The money you spend to purchase a property can be sunk into other investments. Sometimes those investments do much better than a real estate purchase.
Maybe DW knows someone who purchased real estate in the Japan bubble -- how did that go?
X
What would you suggest investing in PI that can be profitable? There only 2 things in Pi that is profitable for small investors, one being a sex club. The other being some export. PI people don't make enough $$ to make your efforts worth it, compared to the risk associated with relying on PI consumers to support your business.
GoodEnough
10-22-08, 00:04
I would stay away from the motorcycle gear here. About two weeks ago, a friendly of mind accidentally knocked his locally-purchased helmet from his bike seat to the ground. The helmet cracked like a hard boiled egg--evidence of the lack of quality that persists in this country. It is possible to find better gear, but the prices are equivalent to what one would pay anywhere. There's a shop next to my office that sells higher end stuff, and the better helmets cost upwards of Php10,000 and of course, you can never be absolutely sure that they're authentic.
As to investing here, why would you want to risk your capital in a place that offers you no legal protection and where you have no rights whatsoever? Pimpster is quite right that the internal market is extremely limited, but above and beyond that is the simple fact that everything you have can be taken away in a heartbeat and you have no recourse.
GE
beyond that is the simple fact that everything you have can be taken away in a heartbeat and you have no recourse.
GEI really find that hard to believe that if you had your own business or house someone in the Philippines could walk in and just snatch it from you if you are the rightful owner...unless your business was on the bogus side like the bar business that’s a crap shoot in any country even the good ole US...
GE again I can't debate you on the inner workings of this country but the more I stay here besides little third world shit it seems the same as anywhere else on the business side.
Today I told my developer I wanted to sale my house guy said no problem as anywhere else....
FreebieFan
10-22-08, 01:10
As in all aspects of life. You et what you pay for. Get something from a reputable developer, get something high end and no one can take anything from you. You are 100% protected by laws of the land.
Take shorts cuts. And things can happen over which you can't control the outcome. And rule number 2 when investing here. Apply the same principle. Get a good lawyer. They will always see you right.
I have been shopping for a condo the last week. I have decided owning a home here is not in my best interest.
Things learned:
1. If you buy most of the time you have to buy one to three years in advance. If you try to buy one already built the unit price wise will be extremely high and difficult to attain. OFWs are buying these things( like we buy pussy) for investment purposes. This is exactly what destroyed America's housing market. PI please take note.
2. If you buy before it is built make sure it from a reputable developer. If not the developmental project may drag on years past the turnover date.
3. If you buy early you can get great deals. The one I have settled on is a luxury unit for 2.4 million PHP not due to be turned over until 2010. Once finished the price will sky rocket immediately to 3.5. It is located in Taguig 5 minutes from the Fort. A prime real-estate area. I will finance it even though I can pay cash I want to see how this whole thing plays out. You don’t make mistakes in life. You only learn.
Warbucks in Metro Manila.
LoveAsianWhores
10-22-08, 09:23
I decided to sale the house and buy a condo for many different reasons. But...Buying a condo here is ridiculously hard. Most are all sold out in the hot spots the Fort and Makati. I have been calling, booking and emailing for two days straight incredible....Just make sure you think everything through. When I first came here, I was told "get a condo, never a house". The main reason was that maintaining a house was very difficult out here and a condo "makes life easy". My personal experiance has been different. I had a condo in Ritz Towers. A 2, 700 sq. Ft high end condo in Makati. The place developed a serious leak. Building maintenance basically said they had no intention of fixing it and I would have to live it. It was not a small leak, and I was sick of the moldy wall and ceiling in my bedroom. The guy that bought the place (also an expat) figured he would just force the buiding management to fix it. But he learned the hard way that buiding maintenance that costs money is just not done in this country. Three months later, he told me he sold the place becuase he was sick of the leak.
I now own a house. Ayala Land Management handles my village and they handle everything for me. It is MY four walls and ceiling, so if there is problem, I don't have to worry about someone else not doing their job.
Just make sure you think everything through. When I first came here, I was told "get a condo, never a house". The main reason was that maintaining a house was very difficult out here and a condo "makes life easy". My personal experiance has been different. I had a condo in Ritz Towers. A 2, 700 sq. Ft high end condo in Makati. The place developed a serious leak. Building maintenance basically said they had no intention of fixing it and I would have to live it. It was not a small leak, and I was sick of the moldy wall and ceiling in my bedroom. The guy that bought the place (also an expat) figured he would just force the buiding management to fix it. But he learned the hard way that buiding maintenance that costs money is just not done in this country. Three months later, he told me he sold the place becuase he was sick of the leak.
I now own a house. Ayala Land Management handles my village and they handle everything for me. It is MY four walls and ceiling, so if there is problem, I don't have to worry about someone else not doing their job.
How do you manage to own land thats the problem, its not a question of whether a condo is better than a house, its more how do we own land on a house. From what other members who are more experience than myself its impossible to own land in PI.
LoveAsianWhores
10-23-08, 08:31
How do you manage to own land thats the problem, its not a question of whether a condo is better than a house, its more how do we own land on a house. From what other members who are more experience than myself its impossible to own land in PI.My posting was in response to a member who was selling his house to buy a condo. But of course, for the average expat, buying a house is not a practical option. Sure, there are various ways to do it, but for most people, they are either too difficult or have unacceptable risks. Buying a condo or a long term lease on a house (up to 50 years) is the only way to go. But as far as condos are concerned, I really think renting is better than owning in the Philippines. If you get a dreaded leak, or find out that the ceiling moves every time someone walks above you, or can't sleap at night due to a noisy neighbor, it is much easier to move if you rent rather than own. Which is of course true in any country, but in the Philippines, there are special considerations. Building maintenance and resale are bigger issues here than in the west. In addition, the price of rent as a function of the price of purchase is not inline as in other countries, which makes renting a real option financially. Especially with a house. For example, in Urdanetta villiage in Makati, a house that would sell for a million $US, will rent for about $3, 500 a month. In the USA, a million $ house would rent for over $5, 000 a month.
With house or condo, unless you have plenty of money, you will pretty much stay in that house or condo, if you are living in the P. I. If you are mongering, too many girls will know where you live. If you are renting, you can pretty much move anywhere, anytime. Check out all parts of the P. I. , leave the P. I. For a while, don't have too worry about your property, etc. Just a thought.
My posting was in response to a member who was selling his house to buy a condo. But of course, for the average expat, buying a house is not a practical option. Sure, there are various ways to do it, but for most people, they are either too difficult or have unacceptable risks. Buying a condo or a long term lease on a house (up to 50 years) is the only way to go. But as far as condos are concerned, I really think renting is better than owning in the Philippines. If you get a dreaded leak, or find out that the ceiling moves every time someone walks above you, or can't sleap at night due to a noisy neighbor, it is much easier to move if you rent rather than own. Which is of course true in any country, but in the Philippines, there are special considerations. Building maintenance and resale are bigger issues here than in the west. In addition, the price of rent as a function of the price of purchase is not inline as in other countries, which makes renting a real option financially. Especially with a house. For example, in Urdanetta villiage in Makati, a house that would sell for a million $US, will rent for about $3, 500 a month. In the USA, a million $ house would rent for over $5, 000 a month.
3500 a month is huge monthly payment is a house that is worth about 600,000 to 700,000 u.s. I would never ever pay for a house that is worth a million dollars in the u.s. for 3,500 thats just crazy given the fact this is PI. I would rather pay 32,000 k for a really nice condo. For 3500 hundred I expect it to be a mansion 10 bedroom on 5 acres. With respects to condo, I can fix basically any plumbing problem that comes my way no big deal. I would assume good developer would do a half way decent job,and a more higher scale condo would reduce risk of crappy work
With house or condo, unless you have plenty of money, you will pretty much stay in that house or condo, if you are living in the P. I. If you are mongering, too many girls will know where you live. If you are renting, you can pretty much move anywhere, anytime. Check out all parts of the P. I. , leave the P. I. For a while, don't have too worry about your property, etc. Just a thought.
Condos are not that expensive in PI, I was thinking of purchasing one and renting it out to other mongers that I know. Hotel bills are getting out of hand for nice hotels. I don't know about the rest of you guys but i spend about 1500 to 2000 u.s. dollars each trip on hotel bills. I go twice a year so thats like 4000 dollars right there in hotel bills. I don't think that any hotel room would be as nice as your own condo that is nicely furnished. I agree with you about girls knowing where you live, thats why I would you get a condo with security guards. to prevent unwanted visitors.
Deal is damn near done on my condo. I was thinking about buying one earlier this year but that would have been impossible in the area I wanted at short notice.
Guys as a foreigner no bank will give you a loan. You are entitled to in-house financing though. You have to jump through rings of fire like a terrorist training camp to get it. I completed the process in three days.
Self-Corrected:
A couple post back on condos I said you can’t keep condos forever. I was wrong. This depends on the type of contract and the developer. Some developers after about 50-70 years tear the old building down and build a new one with no regard to the unit holders. Those still holding units just lose out. Also if it is a lease type contract then what I just mentioned also applies.
Now in my case my developer clearly states that’s if they decide to demolish the building I would be instantly awarded a new unit in the new building or a similar site. The contract is not lease structured so basically it no different than buying a house.
The condo shopping buying process has been a real learning experience…
Living In PI:
I am in my late 20s. I first came here when I was 22 and I knew I wanted to retire here. Though I sometime miss the professionalism and orderliness of the first world…Philippines is home for me. I went back to the States in April after being self-exiled for two years and I was bored as all hell.
Condos are not that expensive in PI...
Depends on where you want to live and how you want to live...
In my case nothing far from Makati or the Fort would do. If you know PI then you know those two places are the heart of the Manila. Also no less than a two bedroom would do for me. I don't have kids but a studio was too small and what if your buddies come in town. Not to mention my ole lady has a mother who flys in from Nippon every once in a while.....
So if pre-selling in the area I just mentioned (pre-selling means before built) the type of unit I prefer goes for no less than 2.2 million PHP once it completed no less than 3.5 million.... but still these are not bad investments. I got friends who have $3000 dollars earrings....
Deal is damn near done on my condo. I was thinking about buying one earlier this year but that would have been impossible in the area I wanted at short notice.
Guys as a foreigner no bank will give you a loan. You are entitled to in-house financing though. You have to jump through rings of fire like a terrorist training camp to get it. I completed the process in three days.
Self-Corrected:
A couple post back on condos I said you can’t keep condos forever. I was wrong. This depends on the type of contract and the developer. Some developers after about 50-70 years tear the old building down and build a new one with no regard to the unit holders. Those still holding units just lose out. Also if it is a lease type contract then what I just mentioned also applies.
Now in my case my developer clearly states that’s if they decide to demolish the building I would be instantly awarded a new unit in the new building or a similar site. The contract is not lease structured so basically it no different than buying a house.
The condo shopping buying process has been a real learning experience…
Living In PI:
I am in my late 20s. I first came here when I was 22 and I knew I wanted to retire here. Though I sometime miss the professionalism and orderliness of the first world…Philippines is home for me. I went back to the States in April after being self-exiled for two years and I was bored as all hell.
You are in your late 20's and are already retired? What did you do in your early 20's street pharm. dealer? LOL 2.2 million is really cheap and good investment if you ask me. I agree with you about professionalism and orderliness of first world country. Pi doesn't have much to offer besides women and being relative cheap to live, although not as cheap as other asian countries. Only problem with other countries is that majority of people do not speak english and much less girls willing to be with us unless you count thailand.
You are in your late 20's and are already retired? What did you do in your early 20's street pharm. dealer? LOL 2.2 million is really cheap and good investment if you ask me. I agree with you about professionalism and orderliness of first world country. Pi doesn't have much to offer besides women and being relative cheap to live, although not as cheap as other asian countries. Only problem with other countries is that majority of people do not speak english and much less girls willing to be with us unless you count thailand.
Not retired…. Security Contractor...Warbucks get it? I also trade currencies online sometime pulling in 100-500 dollars a day depending on the market and my trade.
3500 a month is huge monthly payment is a house that is worth about 600,000 to 700,000 u.s. I would never ever pay for a house that is worth a million dollars in the u.s. for 3,500 thats just crazy given the fact this is PI. I would rather pay 32,000 k for a really nice condo. For 3500 hundred I expect it to be a mansion 10 bedroom on 5 acres. With respects to condo, I can fix basically any plumbing problem that comes my way no big deal. I would assume good developer would do a half way decent job,and a more higher scale condo would reduce risk of crappy work
My buddy is married to a Filipina and he brought a 40 sq mtr condo, within 1K of the Mall of Asia, for $35K, my main problem with that is that it won't be completed until 2011.
I can't see buying a condo in the PI for three reasons:
One, there seems to be five new projects a month being built. At some point, supply will override demand.
Two, I don't want to buy and wait three years to move in.
Third, I have built at least 20 buildings here for my work and I am paying top dollar for construction and still I see the short cuts that the contractor takes to save money. I think the main issue is, if I can hire someone to do the job for 300P a day, why would I want to buy the right equipment to do the job. I have watched workers using everything from a piece to rebar with a pair of pliers to chip a mile of concrete, to mixing 20 yards of concrete by hand.
As far as plumbing goes, they will use old parts to save money.
Just my 2 pesos and as always YMMV.
Robb
My buddy is married to a Filipina and he brought a 40 sq mtr condo, within 1K of the Mall of Asia, for $35K, my main problem with that is that it won't be completed until 2011.
I can't see buying a condo in the PI for three reasons:
One, there seems to be five new projects a month being built. At some point, supply will override demand. Robb
Yes new projects hospitals, banks and businesses are popping up everywhere in PI. That’s progress since when is that not a good thing. With the millions of OFWs and the already overcrowded population of the Philippines I think condos can’t be built fast enough. Think about all the ones I looked at for a week straight that were RFO (ready for occupancy)all were sold out.
Two, I don't want to buy and wait three years to move in. Robb
You can buy one that is RFO but be prepared to open the bank if it’s a nice size about 50 Sqm and located close to Makati or the Fort. That’s why you buy pre-selling to keep the price low…Once it is completed the price will sky rocket. I agree three years is too long. I have to wait one year and 4 months for mine.
Third, I have built at least 20 buildings here for my work and I am paying top dollar for construction and still I see the short cuts that the contractor takes to save money. I think the main issue is, if I can hire someone to do the job for 300P a day, why would I want to buy the right equipment to do the job. I have watched workers using everything from a piece to rebar with a pair of pliers to chip a mile of concrete, to mixing 20 yards of concrete by hand. As far as plumbing goes, they will use old parts to save money. Robb
This is all about who the developer is. Whenever you buy a product whether here or in the States or wherever you hail from you research the producer of that product. Well in the Philippines the two top condo/real-estate developers are Ayala and DMCI. Anything else and you will have a problem like the Seibu Towers project which was supposed to be turned over to customers in December 2008 but now they are saying early 2009. :D
if your one of the over-weight lovers out there a good place to see some nice filipinas is at the gym. in places like alabang the gyms are full of those tall-white skinned educated beautiful filipinas the local men covet. went the other day and to say i was impressed is an understatement.
first jeepney ride:
i said i would never ride a jeepney but was convinced otherwise by the ole lady while leaving the gym. well all i can say i felt like a got damn fool sitting on this jeepney with store clerks and students with a one carat diamond earring in my ear. it wasn’t a bad experience just the guys always speed up then slam on the breaks like they just saw a deer in the road. also hope you are not going anywhere important if you get on one of these things the smell of exhaust just sticks to you like pi humidity….
Redfield10
10-26-08, 07:56
We'll see how good the trading goes long term. I don't know of one single person who has been successful in the long run.
Good luck.
Not retired…. Security Contractor...Warbucks get it? I also trade currencies online sometime pulling in 100-500 dollars a day depending on the market and my trade.
LoveAsianWhores
10-26-08, 15:17
Guys as a foreigner no bank will give you a loan. You are entitled to in-house financing though. You have to jump through rings of fire like a terrorist training camp to get it. I completed the process in three days.If by "foreigner" you mean "temporary visa holder", then that is correct. However, if you obtain permanent residency (not easy, but highly recommended if you are buying a condo here and plan on living here permanently), you should not have any problems. You need to show income to suport the mortgage, but that is the same just about anywhere – even in the US since the start of the housing meltdown last year. I obtained a 10M Peso mortgage from BPI at 8. 75%. I also know several other expats with mortgages. Banks don’t care about your nationality. It is merely a business decision based on the value of the property, your income, you’re your perceived credit worthiness. It is also no problem getting things like credit cards and car loans as an expat. And one other thing about a mortage. They ROCK! If your timing is right. I earn USD but my mortgage is in pesos. I signed the loan docs in March when the peso was 40. 5 to the dollar. It is now over 49. My mortgage payment is now over 20% less in dollar terms, and the mortgage is only 6 months old. But keep in mind that it can always go the other way. I have a friend who funded his mortgage when the peso was at 52. You can imagine the stress he had when the peso hit 40!
LoveAsianWhores
10-26-08, 15:50
With respects to condo, I can fix basically any plumbing problem that comes my way no big deal. I would assume good developer would do a half way decent job, and a more higher scale condo would reduce risk of crappy workThe leaks I was referring to were structural. In my case, the problem was water coming in from the ouside when it rains. In the master bedroom, it was about two liters per storm, per day.coming in apparently from one of the window / aircon / drainage seals. However, I was told by buiding engineering (maybe they are full of shit, but quite difficult to hire my own engineer for another opinion) that they could not determine which seal was fautly and the problem could only be solved during an entire building seal overhaul, planned "sometime in the future". In another room, the water was seaping in through the walls and causing the paint on the entire wall to bubble up, and it was constantly moist to the touch when it rained. I was told that the cement used on the building was not "waterproof" and could only be rectified by repainting the whole building. This sounded strange to me, but as I said, what could I do? As it happens, when I drove by Ritz Towers last week, I noticed the building had just been repainted, but I could see that the original window seals were still there, so I would guess that one leak has been fixed, but the big one still remains. And since you did mention plumbing. Here is another long story related to same unit (I lived there 3 years). One of the bathrooms was severely damaged due to flooding caused by a failure of one the pipes in the bathroom above me. Even though they were responsible for paying for the damage, they did not, and there was no practical way to make them. Even worse, it took several weeks just to get building management to force them to turn off the water to stop the permanent ceiling shower in my bathroom. And then, a month later, they turn on the water AGAIN and my bathroom floods.
The point I am making with these stories is that you really need to think twice before owning a condo in the Philippines. Since you are buying a new unit, I doubt you would have these same problems, but since you are buying a unit that is not yet built, you could have an entire different set of problems. For example, my new house was built by an Ayala subcontractor and by Philippine standards, it is first rate. Ayala has really taken care of me and I am very happy overall, however, there are some things that are truely unbelieveable. For example, the driveway is perfectly flat and floods with up to 3" of water when it rains. When I asked why it was flat they told me "becuase if they built it so it sloped into the street, it would be a safety hazard if you left the handbrake off and the car rolled". And there were no power outlets in the bathrooms because "they would be a safety hazard due to the water". And one of my rooms had no door and just had a big opening to my yard, so when it rained, the room flooded. Who would have thought that by not having a door, the rain (or a burgular) could get in. And I am not talking about a garage or something, but a proper room in my house. They told me that it was an "open Asian style". And believe me, I could go on, and on, and on. Some of these issues were fixed at Ayalas expense, and others can be fixed by me because labor is so cheap here, but the fact of the matter remains. Even the best, most western type comapanies out here can have a brain fart.
Take absolutely nothing for granted.
Soapy Smith
10-27-08, 07:07
I have watched workers using everything from a piece to rebar with a pair of pliers to chip a mile of concrete, to mixing 20 yards of concrete by hand. As far as plumbing goes, they will use old parts to save money. Just my 2 pesos and as always YMMV. Robb
Construction and maintenance work, like everything else in RP, is low tech. When the price of labor is so cheap it doesn't pay to invest in cement mixers or even a selection of basic hand tools. Concrete and mortar are often mixed on the ground with a hoe or shovel. They put down the portland cement powder and sand or gravel on the ground, mix it together fairly well, then mound it up, and create a depression in the middle where they add the water. It's like making a depression for gravy in a mound of mashed potatoes. I'm sure there's an art to it because of the need to get the water mixed consistently through all the dry materials. I also once watched a maintenance man install electrical wire on the face of bathroom ceramic tiles. He had plastic staple/clips to hold the wire in place. The nails in the clips had to be pounded into a line of grout since the tiles were too hard, and they didn't have an electric drill or masonry bits. The guy didn't even have a hammer, so he used the flat surface on the back side of his lineman's pliars as a hammer. The wiring itself would never have passed electrical code in any Western country.
And then there's the problem of plumbing fittings. I once tried replacing a small threaded fitting on a bathtub shower control. I looked all over and never did find anything that would work. The problem seems to be that Philippine plumbing fixtures are variously from the U.S., Japan, and Europe. The U.S. uses National Pipe Thread standards, whereas European fittings use metric threads. I presume the Japanese also use metric threads, but as to their being compatible with European products, that's another question.
I don't laugh at those things any more, I just chalk them up to poverty.
Darth Sushi
10-27-08, 09:21
Construction and maintenance work, like everything else in RP, is low tech. When the price of labor is so cheap it doesn't pay to invest in cement mixers or even a selection of basic hand tools. Concrete and mortar are often mixed on the ground with a hoe or shovel. They put down the portland cement powder and sand or gravel on the ground, mix it together fairly well, then mound it up, and create a depression in the middle where they add the water. It's like making a depression for gravy in a mound of mashed potatoes. I'm sure there's an art to it because of the need to get the water mixed consistently through all the dry materials. I also once watched a maintenance man install electrical wire on the face of bathroom ceramic tiles. He had plastic staple/clips to hold the wire in place. The nails in the clips had to be pounded into a line of grout since the tiles were too hard, and they didn't have an electric drill or masonry bits. The guy didn't even have a hammer, so he used the flat surface on the back side of his lineman's pliars as a hammer. The wiring itself would never have passed electrical code in any Western country.
I don't laugh at those things any more, I just chalk them up to poverty.
A lot of construction workers are really unskilled. A contractor told me that he just goes to a poor neighborhood and hire "construction workers" for 150 pesos a day plus lunch.
My buddy is married to a Filipina and he brought a 40 sq mtr condo, within 1K of the Mall of Asia, for $35K, my main problem with that is that it won't be completed until 2011.
I can't see buying a condo in the PI for three reasons:
One, there seems to be five new projects a month being built. At some point, supply will override demand.
Two, I don't want to buy and wait three years to move in.
Third, I have built at least 20 buildings here for my work and I am paying top dollar for construction and still I see the short cuts that the contractor takes to save money. I think the main issue is, if I can hire someone to do the job for 300P a day, why would I want to buy the right equipment to do the job. I have watched workers using everything from a piece to rebar with a pair of pliers to chip a mile of concrete, to mixing 20 yards of concrete by hand.
As far as plumbing goes, they will use old parts to save money.
Just my 2 pesos and as always YMMV.
Robb
I to have notice about bad workmanship, since you are in the industry hope you can clarify something. It seems that contractor etc.. are very unskilled even if they had formal training compared to u.s. contractors. Are their schools that bad? I know nursing schools in pi are shit holes at least 99% of them, and they just mass produce nurses because the u.s. will grab just about any dumb soul because of the shortage. Does this hold true for the construction business too, we are not talking about brain surgery here. One of the things I'm weary about in less developed parts of Asia, is taking short cuts to build things I.E. like those schools in china that use ultra thin steal bars that fell during the earthquakes.
I've been all over the world, and all cultures have their own unique quirks. I'm just curious about this one thing about filipino and perhaps those of you who live there or spend a large portion of the year there can enlighten me. Filipino, will let their houses run down paint falling off etc..before they will forgo buying a shirt for themselves or a web cam. We are not talking about not having enough money to fix up their house, we are talking about a bucket of paint and a roller, they would rather buy a shirt for themselves before making their house look better. I've also notice that business are the same way, 2 years ago i was in one of the remote areas of PI went to this hotel and the front desk had chipping paint off etc .. you get the picture, do you not want return business?
LoveAsianWhores
10-30-08, 02:02
I to have notice about bad workmanship, since you are in the industry hope you can clarify something. It seems that contractor etc.. are very unskilled even if they had formal training compared to u.s. contractors. Are their schools that bad? I know nursing schools in pi are shit holes at least 99% of them, and they just mass produce nurses because the u.s. will grab just about any dumb soul because of the shortage. Does this hold true for the construction business too, we are not talking about brain surgery here. One of the things I'm weary about in less developed parts of Asia, is taking short cuts to build things I.E. like those schools in china that use ultra thin steal bars that fell during the earthquakes.I think the unskilled workers and poor quality workmanship are less of the problem than you might think. The use of substandard Philippine made materials and the lack of proper tools are are a much bigger problem. Take Ayala. They have construction projects going on all over the country, with the vast majority of the work being done by unskilled labor earning a couple of hundred pesos a day. But if you take a stroll around one of their newest buildings, Greenbelt 5, you can't help but think "wow, this place is really nice". That is because Ayala uses a lot of imported fixtures and materials, supply whatever tools are needed, and privide well trained supervisors. Unskilled labor can do pretty impressive work under those conditions. And all of those very nice office buildings in Makati are all built with unskilled labor. A Korean/Japenese/Tawainese contractor will supply the project managers, hire experienced local supervisors, and ship almost ALL of the materials from their own country. The only local sourced materials may be the cement and glass.
Or speak to a salesman at Ace. Those guys may not know much, but will be quick to point out what is local and what is imported. Even the Chinese crap is considered quite superior to local stuff. It is sad to say, but Philippine made stuff (and I'm talking clothes, envelopes. Just about anything) should never be bought unless made by foreign company operating in the country.
Oh, but there is one exception. I find that the quality of Philippine made girls are quite superior to just about everything else, and are priced very well.
I have even heard reports that some can last a lifetime, although personally, I find I need to replace them on a daily basis.
does any body know what is the fastest speed dslservice in cebu?
FreebieFan
10-30-08, 03:35
Totally agree with your comment about Filipina made gals being superior to all others. Nice one.
Just to add tho that one of my side businesses is a garment company. We use all local yarn, local staff... and we sell to the Ann Taylors, the Nordstroms, Marks and Spencers etc, and a whole bunch of other US and European companies. They put their labels on and no one would ever know it was made by Juan de la Cruz in Muntinlupa.
A lot of construction workers are really unskilled. A contractor told me that he just goes to a poor neighborhood and hire "construction workers" for 150 pesos a day plus lunch.
When I was in Angeles City back in the 80's, I watched the Clarkton remodel it's bar. They tore up the concrete floor using sledge hammers and picks. Two guys hauled out the rubble using a box with handles on each end. I asked the foreman if it wouldn't be more efficient to use a wheelbarrow and he said that cost more money than hiring the two guys to haul out the dirt for the sunken bar.
A second project I watch being built over a period of time was a new hotel (Hana Hotel ?). It looked from the outside that the workers did not have a clue what a string line was when laying concrete block. Never seen so many crooked mortar joints in my life. But, when the exterior coating was applied, the walls looked pretty good.
Slim
I think the unskilled workers and poor quality workmanship are less of the problem than you might think. The use of substandard Philippine made materials and the lack of proper tools are are a much bigger problem. Take Ayala. They have construction projects going on all over the country, with the vast majority of the work being done by unskilled labor earning a couple of hundred pesos a day. But if you take a stroll around one of their newest buildings, Greenbelt 5, you can't help but think "wow, this place is really nice". That is because Ayala uses a lot of imported fixtures and materials, supply whatever tools are needed, and privide well trained supervisors. Unskilled labor can do pretty impressive work under those conditions. And all of those very nice office buildings in Makati are all built with unskilled labor. A Korean/Japenese/Tawainese contractor will supply the project managers, hire experienced local supervisors, and ship almost ALL of the materials from their own country. The only local sourced materials may be the cement and glass.
Or speak to a salesman at Ace. Those guys may not know much, but will be quick to point out what is local and what is imported. Even the Chinese crap is considered quite superior to local stuff. It is sad to say, but Philippine made stuff (and I'm talking clothes, envelopes. Just about anything) should never be bought unless made by foreign company operating in the country.
Oh, but there is one exception. I find that the quality of Philippine made girls are quite superior to just about everything else, and are priced very well.
I have even heard reports that some can last a lifetime, although personally, I find I need to replace them on a daily basis.
robaff, is the only one that can really answer my question, because he actually does construction over there. Thing can look good at first glance, but the devil is in the details, and how it was constructed. Other asian countries may not have the equipment, but they are still highly skilled, and creative with the resources that they do have. I have not seen that in PI. I suppose that's one of the reason that PI has always been the ugly step child economically in Asia, while the rest of asia is booming. This is a result in poor work ethic, and lack of creativity. With respect to filipina being the best, that's a relative question everyone has different preference. I maintain that filipina can be a good when in their country, but when you bring them into the u.s they rank pretty low compared to girls from other country imo.
I suppose that's one of the reason that PI has always been the ugly step child economically in Asia, while the rest of asia is booming. This is a result in poor work ethic, and lack of creativity.
WOW, that is most incorrect statement that I have ever read. If you go back and read one of post where I wrote that IMHO the Philippines are hurting due to over population. The only reason that they survive is that they are creative and have a good work ethic. The reason most Filipino's can't get ahead is the thinking here is if I have money, good for me, if you don't, sorry for you. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer:(
I didn't understand how this country operates until I moved here and see it everyday. I also understand Filipino time. The reason a lot of people show up late, isn't due to being lazy, most of the time they sit on a jeepey and have to endure stop and go pick ups. Go to a mall and take a look at the jeepey line waiting to depart, if a jeepey isn't full, the driver will wait until he has a full load because he is trying to make money too. I had girls tell me that they waited over a hour to depart.
As always YMMV,
Robb
I've been all over the world, and all cultures have their own unique quirks. I'm just curious about this one thing about filipino and perhaps those of you who live there or spend a large portion of the year there can enlighten me. Filipino, will let their houses run down paint falling off etc..before they will forgo buying a shirt for themselves or a web cam. We are not talking about not having enough money to fix up their house, we are talking about a bucket of paint and a roller, they would rather buy a shirt for themselves before making their house look better. I've also notice that business are the same way, 2 years ago i was in one of the remote areas of PI went to this hotel and the front desk had chipping paint off etc .. you get the picture, do you not want return business?
I think this is a effect of Filipino's getting paid by the day. If you are making 300P a day and a gallon of paint is 1500P, how long will it take to buy the paint? Remember that they have to buy food and get to work. One girl that works at Robinson's Mall told me that she makes 350P a day and it cost her 25P each way to get to work and home, 1 1/2 hours in jeepey each way. So now she is only making 300P a day and she may have to help out her family. I pay very good money to my employees here and I have less then 1 percent turnover a year. I have had to fire only one employee, he keep calling in and saying that he had no money for a jeepey and couldn't get to work. He wanted me to loan him money. Long story short, he now has no money, because he can't find a job and he calls me at least once a week asking me to hire him back.
If you run a local business here, sari sari store, food booth...ect, most of your customers do not have a lot of money, so you have to have low prices or you do not have any customers. If you go to a sari sari store out of the city you will see that they sell everything by the piece. One pack of shampoo is 5P, one pack of coffee is 5P, one stick of tobacco is 2.5P and that is the only way of life that they know. They live day to day, so to think about painting the house seems like a good idea, but out of reach to most.
Robb
GoodEnough
10-30-08, 23:02
it's been my experience that filipinos are very concerned with the external trappings because they're always conscious of the face they present to the world. strangers, casual acquaintances and maybe even friends will never see the peeling paint and dilapidated condition of the house but they'll immediately be aware of the cell phone you're carrying, the clothes you're wearing and the jewelry you have on, and external appearances are terribly important here. given that fact, filipinos will, in general, spend a disproportionate amount of whatever income they have on personal externalities, since these are what others see. maybe it's all a matter of face.
ge
WOW, that is most incorrect statement that I have ever read. If you go back and read one of post where I wrote that IMHO the Philippines are hurting due to over population. The only reason that they survive is that they are creative and have a good work ethic. The reason most Filipino's can't get ahead is the thinking here is if I have money, good for me, if you don't, sorry for you. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer:(
I didn't understand how this country operates until I moved here and see it everyday. I also understand Filipino time. The reason a lot of people show up late, isn't due to being lazy, most of the time they sit on a jeepey and have to endure stop and go pick ups. Go to a mall and take a look at the jeepey line waiting to depart, if a jeepey isn't full, the driver will wait until he has a full load because he is trying to make money too. I had girls tell me that they waited over a hour to depart.
As always YMMV,
Robb
i certainly respect your knowledge in other areas as with the culture etc.. but PI is not the only country that has is overcrowded. Most asian south eastern countries have more people than they can support. If you've been to other asian countries that are just as crowded or more so the economy is growing by leaps and bounds. One of the things that I've noticed each time I go there the so call japanese or chinese filipino are always well off compared to typical PI. Everywhere I go I've asked typical pi people why are the chinese filipino so well off compared to PI people, they always say. Chinese are more business minded, and they help each other. I don't know about being more business minded.
it's been my experience that filipinos are very concerned with the external trappings because they're always conscious of the face they present to the world. strangers, casual acquaintances and maybe even friends will never see the peeling paint and dilapidated condition of the house but they'll immediately be aware of the cell phone you're carrying, the clothes you're wearing and the jewelry you have on, and external appearances are terribly important here. given that fact, filipinos will, in general, spend a disproportionate amount of whatever income they have on personal externalities, since these are what others see. maybe it's all a matter of face.
ge
yes, i've notice this too, i just thought that it was just me, because i tend to go for the more shall we say looker type of girls, so you expect that sort of thing. each time they have invited me home i'm always thinking to myself ahemmm you need to spend less money on yourself and clean up your house use some soap and water for god sake. when a white plastic chair turns gray you know it hasn't been cleaned in ages.
FreebieFan
10-31-08, 03:23
you also need to understand the notion that exists of trying to look " better" than the neighbours. so if your house is well painted on the outside, garden well looked after, in a neighbourhood of grey peeling paint houses you wil be seen as different and possibly richer in a philippino context. therfor an obvous theft target. no one wants to stand out and its easier to follow what everyone else does. ever heard of the philipino "crab" mentality.
meanwhile the phone, well its prestige. same as some guys wear the gold rolex. we all know the phone value and can assign social status by that.
its all part of the philipino culture that can appear strange and unusual from an outside set of values and norms.
GoodEnough
10-31-08, 10:39
i certainly respect your knowledge in other areas as with the culture etc.. but PI is not the only country that has is overcrowded. Most asian south eastern countries have more people than they can support. If you've been to other asian countries that are just as crowded or more so the economy is growing by leaps and bounds. One of the things that I've noticed each time I go there the so call japanese or chinese filipino are always well off compared to typical PI. Everywhere I go I've asked typical pi people why are the chinese filipino so well off compared to PI people, they always say. Chinese are more business minded, and they help each other. I don't know about being more business minded.
There is a huge range of issues that consign this place to poverty, and as the causes are multiple and inter-related, it's impossible to single out just one as the culprit. First, there's the pervasive, unchecked rapacious greed of politicians at all levels--greed that makes this the most corrupt country in Asia. Though corruption exists to some extent in all countries, whether developed or no, here it knows no bounds.
Corruption also pervades the so-called legal system, which fails to protect foreign investment. It's no accident that this place lags behind Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries in the region in attracting foreign investment. And foreign investment means jobs and economic development. The country produces virtually zero manufactured goods on its own--and I'm not speaking of those electronics that are produced by American, Japanese and European firms here and then shipped out--since there's little here in the way of intellectual capital.
Third, the country has one of the worst systems of public education in Asia and among the worst I've ever seen on and continent. Thus, contrary to the public pronouncements of the politicians, it falls further behind on the technology curve with every passing year.
Fourth, because the economy is incapable of producing many decent jobs, the best and the brightest go abroad, and they do not return. The export of the brightest and most talented is subject to the law of diminishing returns. Only the also-rans are left here--those who can get the hell out.
Add to all of the above a political system that's based on inheritance. There are no "free and fair" elections here. Posts are passed down within clans and within families, and it's expected, by the general public, that the politicians will steal as much as they can and, in return, will provide some minimal subsistence to their loyalists. Related to this is the fact that a small percentage of the population owns most of the decent land. Titles are murky at best, and traditional tribal chieftains (be that Muslim datus, Christian oligarchs or whatever) own pretty much everything.
Then, there's the fact that most people in the country pay no taxes. In the event that they do pay, the amount is highly negotiable. Hence there's a limited tax base, much of which is stolen at any rate.
Finally, there's the stanglehold of the catholic church on all matters related to population control. The poor, the uneducated, the unemployed are blandly encouraged to have as many children as possible; children who will likely remain uneducated un or under employed, etc. and you have the ingredients necessary for a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty without end.
Just some of the many reasons why this place is destined to remain firmly rooted in the third world while it's SE Asian neighbors pass it by.
GE
Darth Sushi
10-31-08, 12:12
...
Finally, there's the stanglehold of the catholic church on all matters related to population control. The poor, the uneducated, the unemployed are blandly encouraged to have as many children as possible; children who will likely remain uneducated un or under employed, etc. and you have the ingredients necessary for a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty without end.
Just some of the many reasons why this place is destined to remain firmly rooted in the third world while it's SE Asian neighbors pass it by.
GE
There is a proposed law that the catholic church strongly opposes on family planning. Though many Filipinos support some form of family planning, the church is inflexible. Many economists see big problems when the economy and resources will no longer support the population growth. I don't want to be around when the shit hits the fan so get some while you can!
Wicked Roger
10-31-08, 14:05
it's been my experience that filipinos are very concerned with the external trappings because they're always conscious of the face they present to the world. strangers, casual acquaintances and maybe even friends will never see the peeling paint and dilapidated condition of the house but they'll immediately be aware of the cell phone you're carrying, the clothes you're wearing and the jewelry you have on, and external appearances are terribly important here. given that fact, filipinos will, in general, spend a disproportionate amount of whatever income they have on personal externalities, since these are what others see. maybe it's all a matter of face.
ge
good observations ge.
here in the uae same thing. the lowly paid filipinos all know the latest mobile and regularly change the model despite the purchase being a disproportionately large amount of their monthly salary. i was recently in the mall and many were crowded around the mobile shop counters trying the latest models, pushing tog et one despite them having a recent model in their hands. it is face and what the relatives back home see but this creates problems as the family back see the nice mobile, necklace etc and think the relative in the uae has lots of cash. as a result they ask for more to be sent home which is not possible so the person may borrow etc. real problems and here with filipino loan sharks in the underbelly.
even in the philippines, i chat with a few girls meet them etc and they try and get you to buy the latest model ....which some inevitably ‘lose’ (ie pawn) soon after you have gone. they may not know much about world events but a good filipina knows the latest nokia model and the technical specifications far better than i ever could. same for jewellery....always a request for gold necklace, earrings etc. again for show and for the pawn shop when times are tight.
i know of one girl who has ‘lost’ 9 mobiles – why she told me this and then me to help her with a mobile was not clear :) but she did and i said “sure, how about this cheap[ second hand one”. she was not impressed with me
GoodEnough
10-31-08, 17:44
Thanks for the insights about Filipinos in the UAE. I guess having a bit of money just makes it easier to cave into impulse buying. I also hadn't realize that Filipino loan sharks prey on the OFWs there, of course not having spent much time in the Emirates, I'm pretty ignorant of the scene.
Wicked Roger
10-31-08, 18:41
Thanks for the insights about Filipinos in the UAE. I guess having a bit of money just makes it easier to cave into impulse buying. I also hadn't realize that Filipino loan sharks prey on the OFWs there, of course not having spent much time in the Emirates, I'm pretty ignorant of the scene.
Plenty loan sharks here, they all shit on each other and some bad and nasty stories I have heard from WGs here that I know. 15-20% interest and rising....once you are in you rarely get out. I know one Filipina who went home for a 'family crisis' leaving upward of 300,000 pesos of debt just to avoid the sharks. Not a WG a regualr worker in a mall. But was told the sharks will track her and the family down and send some friends. Happens everywhere I know.
Pressure is family asking for cash for what another WG says is to feed the Filipino needs for gambling, smoking and beer. They cannot refuse. Another gets pressure from cousins (as well as immediate family) for cash as she is working in Dubai - perceived to be the land of milk and honey, paved with gold etc (well compared with provincial Philippines am sure it is, compared with Manila it is!)
While they may impulse buy they also love hand outs. A nice mobile and jewellry is one thing but if I have spare/old clothes I want to toss out, despite my size (am tall, big etc) they will take as they can use somehow. Hotel giveaways when I am overseas, airline giveaways...they will take, as presents for those back home. Am actually asked if I can get some blankets from the planes! But they still spend all their limited salary on externalities
Bizarre in many ways and for me goes a long way as why I cant really understand the Filipina way of thinking at times :)
you also need to understand the notion that exists of trying to look " better" than the neighbours. so if your house is well painted on the outside, garden well looked after, in a neighbourhood of grey peeling paint houses you wil be seen as different and possibly richer in a philippino context. therfor an obvous theft target. no one wants to stand out and its easier to follow what everyone else does. ever heard of the philipino "crab" mentality.
meanwhile the phone, well its prestige. same as some guys wear the gold rolex. we all know the phone value and can assign social status by that.
its all part of the philipino culture that can appear strange and unusual from an outside set of values and norms.
i'm going to have to disagree with you on this point, filipino are very materialistic compared to vietnamese girls and thai girls imo. they like to show off with phones etc... "so do most women, but asian girls in other girls tend to be less materialistic with the exception of korea, japan, and some parts of china."
i've been traveling to the pis in the last 8 years and this is my take on the filipinos:
although the country is geographically located in asia, it's people do not think like the mainland asians. i think of them as a mix between asian pacific islander and latin american. life is a fiesta and the coconuts will always be there in the morning, thus, they sit there and wait for things to happen in their lives. if nothing happens, they will depend on friends and relatives for handouts. my biggest pet peeve about them is that they don't understand the meaning of invitation. this happens to me even with the middle class filipinos. they would invite me to lunch or dinner and when the bill arrives, they become blind and deaf. another is when i invited one for lunch, three showed up.
There is a proposed law that the catholic church strongly opposes on family planning. Though many Filipinos support some form of family planning, the church is inflexible. Many economists see big problems when the economy and resources will no longer support the population growth. I don't want to be around when the shit hits the fan so get some while you can!
One Filipino I know said it best: "Why are we letting a group (Catholic priests) tell us that family planning is wrong, when they do not participate in the practice of making a family?".
Robb
GoodEnough
11-02-08, 01:06
One Filipino I know said it best: "Why are we letting a group (Catholic priests) tell us that family planning is wrong, when they do not participate in the practice of making a family?".
Robb
Between the catholic church, which cares nothing about the welfare of people but cares deeply about producing as many little catholics as possible, and the government, which is also indifferent to the general well being of the population and is terrified of the political clout of the church, the population here will continue to swell to the bursting point. No one in authority cares enough to do anything about it.
Of course middle class, educated Filipinos ignore the church and limit family size, which means the continuing population surge is occurring exactly where it's least desirable--among the poor and uneducated. Couple that with an education system that's deplorable and an economy that produces little in the way of jobs, and you've got an ideal menu for continued poverty and growing desperation. This place reminds me more of sub-Saharan Africa than the rest of Asia. If, due to the international financial crisis, the OFWs begin to return home in droves, and if the international donors reduce their programs, this place will inevitably implode.
GE
Cunning Stunt
11-02-08, 03:22
This place reminds me more of sub-Saharan Africa than the rest of Asia. If, due to the international financial crisis, the OFWs begin to return home in droves, and if the international donors reduce their programs, this place will inevitably implode.
GE
Yes GE - I have often thought that Manila more resembles Lagos or Calcutta than a SE Asian capital city. I also think that the place is a ticking bomb waiting to explode and the doomsday scenario that you paint is not inappropriate. I do not know the statistics for percentages of people subsisting at or below the poverty median but I imagine that they make for very sober reading.
As the present economic crisis percolates down to grass roots and adds to the misery already caused by the soaring food prices of the last year or so (the price of rice has increased by over 50%), yet more people will be thrown into real desperate poverty. To be hoped that your prediction about OFW's does not materialize as it is often the money sent home by them that keep so many heads above water.
The infrastructure of the capital city is already under immense strain and does not need a influx of yet more desperate people hoping to escape dire poverty in the provinces. The place already has rapidly growing shanty towns (every bridge/flyover seems to have resident communities) springing up everywhere, and adding to the urban problems of a place already bursting at the seams.
This is now. I dread to think what the place will be like in 20+ years when there will be a extra 20 million or so Filipino's running around :(.
GoodEnough
11-03-08, 10:24
The good news here is that with a US income and an exclusive focus on your quality of life, you can have a great life here. The more the peso deteriorates, the more the economy starts to crumble, the more affordable things become for those being paid in dollars or Euros. Unfortunately, I find its impossible to live in a vacuum forever, and sooner or later, it's almost impossible to escape the growing desperation of a growing number of people.
There's a feel here---or at least it's my feeling here---that things at the national level are never going to get better, as least in my lifetime, and that an ever growing number of people are going to be consigned to poverty and ignorance, largely due to the absolute indifference of the government and the politicians.
It's perfectly possible to create a lifestyle here that isolates one almost totally from most Filipinos and to restrict one's interactions almost exclusively to other expats living in much the same way you do. I find this however difficult to do, and it's what makes living here increasingly depressing from time to time.
GE
The good news here is that with a US income and an exclusive focus on your quality of life, you can have a great life here. The more the peso deteriorates, the more the economy starts to crumble, the more affordable things become for those being paid in dollars or Euros. Unfortunately, I find its impossible to live in a vacuum forever, and sooner or later, it's almost impossible to escape the growing desperation of a growing number of people.
True. That. While my salary in the US would still allow me to live above average I would not have king status as I do here. Keep in mind this perception has nothing to do with the ladies but just basic cost of living. As for the ladies to me this is something that is greatly exaggerated.
Guys a lot of these women want a better life (money…your money) plain and simple. If you’re ok with a lady getting involved with you for visa and currency issues then in that aspect PI is a social heaven.
I used to think the Philippines had to be the poorest on country on earth when I first visited back in 04 until my new found job landed me in Afghanistan. Flying into Kabul makes Manila look like Beverly Hills. :D There are way more countries out there that are worse off financially and politically then this place. I am sorry but the poverty in the Philippines just doesn’t appear all that dire to me. To me a lot of people in this country really don’t have much to be desperate about. I have been to countries where the some of the locals don’t even know what a Mall is.
There's a feel here---or at least it's my feeling here---that things at the national level are never going to get better, as least in my lifetime, and that an ever growing number of people are going to be consigned to poverty and ignorance, largely due to the absolute indifference of the government and the politicians.
I think things are improving. Slowly but they are from what I seen when I made my maiden voyage. Can anybody honestly say that the Manila still looks the same as it did years back? When I was out condo shopping I expected to see expats being housed in the condos but no sir. Most of the inhabitants where Filipino. Probably OFWs but that look how poor they are is wearing thin with me….
It's perfectly possible to create a lifestyle here that isolates one almost totally from most Filipinos and to restrict one's interactions almost exclusively to other expats living in much the same way you do. I find this however difficult to do, and it's what makes living here increasingly depressing from time to time.
In my subdivision there is one German and one American both retired. I have never spoken to them because I feel we just would not have much to talk about. I only know of them because of my ole lady. Women just love to gossip…
All in all after a two year hiatus I went back to the States in April and I saw my childhood friends, some working two jobs to make ends meet. Some still living with their parents. Some married coming home after to work to a wife and dog. For them that was their existence. When I told them of tales of Dubai and Thailand and the PI they looked at me like I was crazed lunatic. When they told me about their lives I knew one thing I hope I never have to go back to the States for good...
FreebieFan
11-04-08, 01:01
I think were all saying the same thing. Weve all been to some real shitholes in the world. Kids living in gutters in Mumbai, kids living under trees in Sri Lanka. Weird people who look like cannibals in Papua etc. Anyways. I've been going to Philippines for past 30 years on and off including working there.
All thats changed in that time is the development of the Fort area (which started over 15 years ago). Some larger buildings on Ayala Ave, development of Northzone in Alabang and some other developments.
But with the population that exists any progress and economic development will always be mitigated by the thousands of extra people.
There will always be busy highways, always be busy schools, alwys be hospitals and prisons filled to overflowing. It won't change because it can't.
Economic progress will alwys be pulled back by the requirements of a growing population. Having said that, and recognising the low income levels that occur, in all my travels I've never seen anyone go hungry. Theres always rice on the table, primarily thanks to the OFW's.
In 50 years time, our sons and younger mongers will be saying the same thing about this country. It won't change because fundamentally it can't.
Don Roberts
11-04-08, 04:16
"At the end of our current 5 year development cycle it is fervent in our hopes to Achieve the Third World Status & maintain our #1- That's Right, #1! place as for corruption, passing former 1st placer, Indonesia....."
The Philippines was the strongest economy in Asia at the end of World war 2.
Population growth definitely a factor--Thailand & PI roughly equal in GDP & population in 1965. 20million + more pinoys than Thais now, Thai GDP per capita much higher now. GDP growth in excess of 5% required in PI to keep up with population growth.
There's a 5 part article on Asia Times online right now. Very interesting.
The economies of Asia are like a series of petri dishes with different nutrients-- some cultures thrive- Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,Hong Kong- 1st world standard- some not doing so well-Indonesia, Burma, Laos, Philippines etc.
Control of corruption helps- as in Singapore- one of the most successful economies in the world, in spite of having no natural resources----
However, some very corrupt economies see rapid growth- China, Korea etc.
LoveAsianWhores
11-04-08, 15:17
It's perfectly possible to create a lifestyle here that isolates one almost totally from most Filipinos and to restrict one's interactions almost exclusively to other expats living in much the same way you do. I find this however difficult to do, and it's what makes living here increasingly depressing from time to time.
GEWow, we certainly see things differently. I like Filipinos. In fact, one of the reasons I like living out here is that in general, I prefer living with Filipinos more than I did with Americans back home. I've always found that I see things quite differetnly than Americans, but I often have the same point of view as Filipinos. I have to go back to the states every December, and I start feeling depressed as soon as I arrive. I have nothing against Americans (hell, I AM an American), but many of them rub me the wrong way. Filipinos are so friendly, easy going and open minded. People back "home" are so uptight, that I typically fell like a stranger in the US.
Marconista
11-04-08, 17:49
This gives me a reason to comment as well.
I work in shipping, recruting pinoys.
I asked one of our European masters after sailing with filipinos for many years how they were doing on board the ships, workwise etc.
He replied; Either we have trained them well, or I am getting old and blind, because I feel that they have absolutely become much better in all aspects.
What I mean is that when you live and work with people not normally up to your own standard for many years, maybe it is you (me) that are lowering out standard bit by bit.
Wow, we certainly see things differently. I like Filipinos. In fact, one of the reasons I like living out here is that in general, I prefer living with Filipinos more than I did with Americans back home. I've always found that I see things quite differetnly than Americans, but I often have the same point of view as Filipinos. ....................................Filipinos are so friendly, easy going and open minded. People back "home" are so uptight, that I typically fell like a stranger in the US.
i've been traveling to the pis in the last 8 years and this is my take on the filipinos:
although the country is geographically located in asia, it's people do not think like the mainland asians. i think of them as a mix between asian pacific islander and latin american. life is a fiesta and the coconuts will always be there in the morning, thus, they sit there and wait for things to happen in their lives. if nothing happens, they will depend on friends and relatives for handouts. my biggest pet peeve about them is that they don't understand the meaning of invitation. this happens to me even with the middle class filipinos. they would invite me to lunch or dinner and when the bill arrives, they become blind and deaf. another is when i invited one for lunch, three showed up.
couldn't have said it any better, they just lack a sense of work ethic and lack of innovation by its own people. over population is certainly a problem but much of asia faces that same problem can anyone really indicate what the hell pi actually produces? one would think that with the vast number of people and most being able to speak english it would be ideal to set up some sort of manufacturing business since of so call cheap labor " overpopulation causes cheap labor right? i'm really unaware of anything pi makes of any real value, seems like they import lots of good in. pi has lots of call centers though, and one of my gf works as call center manager and she says its probably the best job you can get in pi. filipino 's once they come to the u.s. you will see why they aren't truly asians. you can take a chinese kid bring him over to the u.s. he will become an honor student and end up attending ucla. you can bring a filipino kid will be like many americans scrape by in high school and attend community college.
FreebieFan
11-05-08, 01:00
To the poster who said " they lack a sense of work ethic" you are totally wrong. Your comment is no doubt based on the guys who hang aorund in the baangay playing pool and shooting hoops. Or the girsl who are too lazy to work.
But stand on Ayala ave from 6am and see the streams of people going to work. They've already been on a bus ride for upwards of 3 hours to get to work. Watch the same ones going home after 6pm with anohter bus jouney/s to get home. I worked in Manila for 5 years. Damn they work hard and long. And yes there are some lazies as there are in ALL the Asian countries I've worked in.
I've also worked with OFW in Middle East and they were outstanding both as workers and humans. So my point is be careful of generallizing. Philippines isn't America (thanks God its not). There are lazies everywhere. Including the ones I encountered working in US for 2 years a long time ago.
Phils has good hard working people. Maybe you need to look to see.
Cunning Stunt
11-05-08, 05:57
couldn't have said it any better, they just lack a sense of work ethic and lack of innovation by its own people. over population is certainly a problem but much of asia faces that same problem can anyone really indicate what the hell pi actually produces? one would think that with the vast number of people and most being able to speak english it would be ideal to set up some sort of manufacturing business since of so call cheap labor " overpopulation causes cheap labor right? i'm really unaware of anything pi makes of any real value, seems like they import lots of good in. pi has lots of call centers though, and one of my gf works as call center manager and she says its probably the best job you can get in pi. filipino 's once they come to the u.s. you will see why they aren't truly asians. you can take a chinese kid bring him over to the u.s. he will become an honor student and end up attending ucla. you can bring a filipino kid will be like many americans scrape by in high school and attend community college.
few sweeping generalisations there pimpster, but i can understand the general drift of your assertions. but you must recognise the enormous problems caused by the ''brain drain'' of better educated/ambitious filipino's. when a countries biggest and best earning export are its own people, then this is indicative of deep lying flaws in that countries national psyche. but filipino's are far from been lazy ''ne'r do wells''. i have a friend who is a well qualified civil engineer but has been always unable to earn a decent wage in the philippines. after many years of trying, he has finally been able to ''escape'' to much better paid work in uk. he is now working his ''bollocks'' off, doing 3 jobs and working 12-14 hour, 7 day weeks in order to be able to afford to pay for his wife and eventually his kids to join him in london. his main job is as a careworker, a bit different from his original skilled profession. he is also stacking shelves in tesco's. this is a common scenario. filipino's will work hard at the most menial jobs in order to get a toehold in their adopted countries and escape from the penury of their former existence. but their heart, invariably, remains in the philippines.
I work as a contractor for a multi-national company that has factories located throughout SE Asia. Even though the company is thriving and expanding, it is planning to close a site in the PIs due to the lack of talented engineers and managers. Production schedules tend to lag behind other countries.
Laziness might not be the right word to describe Filipinos but rather, not ambitious. They perform what is required of them and go home. When you put 90+ million together, you get a country that can't compete in the international arena. Its closest neighbor, Vietnam, dug itself out of an economic black hole in just one decade to become one of the leaders in commodity export and international investment attraction and I don't think its government is any less corrupted than the PIs.
I don't think you can blame it on the exportation of its talents, for the majority of the OSWs are blue collars and nurses. I do also have my theory about the Spanish influence but that's another show.
Few sweeping generalisations there Pimpster, but I can understand the general drift of your assertions. But you must recognise the enormous problems caused by the ''brain drain'' of better educated/ambitious Filipino's. When a countries biggest and best earning export are its own people, then this is indicative of deep lying flaws in that countries national psyche. But Filipino's are far from been lazy ''ne'r do wells''. I have a friend who is a well qualified civil engineer but has been always unable to earn a decent wage in the Philippines. After many years of trying, he has finally been able to ''escape'' to much better paid work in UK. He is now working his ''bollocks'' off, doing 3 jobs and working 12-14 hour, 7 day weeks in order to be able to afford to pay for his wife and eventually his kids to join him in London. His main job is as a careworker, a bit different from his original skilled profession. He is also stacking shelves in Tesco's. This is a common scenario. Filipino's will work hard at the most menial jobs in order to get a toehold in their adopted countries and escape from the penury of their former existence. But their heart, invariably, remains in the Philippines.
GH that’s been this guy “steelo” (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=steelo) since he first start posting here. Calling a whole group of people anything is wrong. I must admit I am guilty of it but I do try to “police” myself. Anyway most Filipinos I have encountered including my LTR of the last two years are incredibly hard working. Also most I have encountered are perfectionist and demand the best of themselves. It’s the Filipino government, corruption, politicians looking out for their own interest, the brain drain as GH and the national debt that is bogging down the country and its people.
A lot of Filipinos are in the Middle East right now putting themselves in all type of danger (Iraq, Afghanistan) putting up with abusive employers (Saudi, Kuwait) working hard for menial wages to provide for their families back in PI. I remember talking to a Filipino guy in Dubai who was working in one of my company’s sponsored hotels who told me he earns $120 a month. WTF? Dubai is expensive on my salary and I could live well off in the States. I wondered how he could survive on that plus having to send some of that back to PI. Incredible.
Khun Larry
11-05-08, 19:32
It's perfectly possible to create a lifestyle here that isolates one almost totally from most Filipinos and to restrict one's interactions almost exclusively to other expats living in much the same way you do. I find this however difficult to do, and it's what makes living here increasingly depressing from time to time.
GE
I have spent most of my time in Thailand. In my experience there is no relationship to be had with a Thai. Life is based on some social status which puts the foreigner below the peasant (or the dog for that matter). Scam the farang is a national pastime, often written in the laws.
I have seen westerners and Filipinos chatting with each other, having coffee etc, this is very rare in Thailand. I am curious if there is a difference in forming relationships with Filipinos or is the same us vs them mentality going on in the Phills as in Thailand wherin they think of nothing other than scamming your money.
Any thoughts?
I have spent most of my time in Thailand. In my experience there is no relationship to be had with a Thai. Life is based on some social status which puts the foreigner below the peasant (or the dog for that matter). Scam the farang is a national pastime, often written in the laws.
I have seen westerners and Filipinos chatting with each other, having coffee etc, this is very rare in Thailand. I am curious if there is a difference in forming relationships with Filipinos or is the same us vs them mentality going on in the Phills as in Thailand wherin they think of nothing other than scamming your money.
Any thoughts?
Sir Filipinos are nothing I repeat nothing like Thais. In no way shape form or fashion. From the *****s to the moguls. Not one group is better than the other but Filipinos are more accepting of foreigners and will try their hardest to make you feel like one of the family.
FreebieFan
11-06-08, 00:53
Its funny, every trip I get to Thailand Im often sitting having coffee with a former Thai freebie, a current Thai freebie or a soon to be Thai freebie. In fact I often have more coffee than beer in Thailand lol.
Maybe Im the exception to the rule?
Sir Filipinos are nothing I repeat nothing like Thais. In no way shape form or fashion. From the *****s to the moguls. Not one group is better than the other but Filipinos are more accepting of foreigners and will try their hardest to make you feel like one of the family.
agreed filipino take great pride and honor to marry outside their own race. Its consider moving up if you can marry someone from the u.s. . Other asians don't view non asian as kindly. Chinese call white people white devil, and Vietnamese people call white people something which equates to trailer trash in their language. In general PI as a whole welcome u.s. with open arms and in fact just drool over us, versus other countries.
Few sweeping generalisations there Pimpster, but I can understand the general drift of your assertions. But you must recognise the enormous problems caused by the ''brain drain'' of better educated/ambitious Filipino's. When a countries biggest and best earning export are its own people, then this is indicative of deep lying flaws in that countries national psyche. But Filipino's are far from been lazy ''ne'r do wells''. I have a friend who is a well qualified civil engineer but has been always unable to earn a decent wage in the Philippines. After many years of trying, he has finally been able to ''escape'' to much better paid work in UK. He is now working his ''bollocks'' off, doing 3 jobs and working 12-14 hour, 7 day weeks in order to be able to afford to pay for his wife and eventually his kids to join him in London. His main job is as a careworker, a bit different from his original skilled profession. He is also stacking shelves in Tesco's. This is a common scenario. Filipino's will work hard at the most menial jobs in order to get a toehold in their adopted countries and escape from the penury of their former existence. But their heart, invariably, remains in the Philippines.
I beg to disagree on a few points, best and brightest leaving the country. I'm an MD, and so we get lots of nurses imported from PI. They are one step above cna level, they aren't trained even close to nurses in the U.S. Keep in mind this has nothing to do with whether the nurses are filipina or not. The filipina nurses trained in the u.s. are like all other nurses trained in the u.s. PI nurses from Pi have next to no work ethic next to no idea of what manners are. As for your assertion of brain drain, only thing that PI really export besides nurses which is really a paper mill degree in most schools over there. Are more blue collar workers, maids, etc... PI isn't really known for its high tech abilities.. like India. With that many poor people you figure companies would rush in there for the cheap labor, but people don't because of work ethic issue,this was something that was relayed to me from a friend who does exports.
Professional
11-06-08, 05:49
I have spent most of my time in Thailand. In my experience there is no relationship to be had with a Thai. Life is based on some social status which puts the foreigner below the peasant (or the dog for that matter). Scam the farang is a national pastime, often written in the laws.
I have seen westerners and Filipinos chatting with each other, having coffee etc, this is very rare in Thailand. I am curious if there is a difference in forming relationships with Filipinos or is the same us vs them mentality going on in the Phills as in Thailand wherin they think of nothing other than scamming your money.
Any thoughts?Actually I have had the opposite experience especially with Filipinos often they put foreigners in a higher status, I think money has alot to do with it. I think they think all foreigner have money but that is just my guess. But that does not mean they won't try and take advantage of you or cheat you.
Also I just wanted to add that the Filipinos I know are very hard worker but most that I know are all professionals like accountants attorneys etc.
You can not expect hard work from someone that works minimum wage like in jack in the box or something like that I don't think people here in usa work hard if they had a minimum wage job too.
Cunning Stunt
11-06-08, 06:15
I beg to disagree on a few points, best and brightest leaving the country. I'm an MD, and so we get lots of nurses imported from PI. They are one step above cna level, they aren't trained even close to nurses in the U.S. Keep in mind this has nothing to do with whether the nurses are filipina or not. The filipina nurses trained in the u.s. are like all other nurses trained in the u.s. PI nurses from Pi have next to no work ethic next to no idea of what manners are. As for your assertion of brain drain, only thing that PI really export besides nurses which is really a paper mill degree in most schools over there. Are more blue collar workers, maids, etc... PI isn't really known for its high tech abilities.. like India. With that many poor people you figure companies would rush in there for the cheap labor, but people don't because of work ethic issue,this was something that was relayed to me from a friend who does exports.
Must say that I think you are totally wrong and I still maintain that it is the brightest, most ambitious Filipino's that are leaving the country. You mention that they are taking up blue collar jobs but fail to realise that the people taking these jobs are often highly qualified graduates who could not find suitable employment in the Philippines. So you have the ridiculous situation of doctors, engineers and other skilled professionals leaving the Philippines to take up better paid menial work abroad. I know of one qualified doctor who is working as a casualty department porter in a London hospital whilst he studies to gain his conversion qualification so he may practice in UK. This is not uncommon.
Don't know where the States find their nurses but the NHS in UK has recruited over 2,500 Philippine nurses and they have quickly gained a reputation for being hard working, well trained, efficient and most importantly unfailingly courteous and caring towards patients under their care. The NHS would come to a grinding halt without them. Cannot believe you say that they do not possess manners when, if you know Filipino/a's at all well, you should know that good manners is one thing they possess in abundance, having being inculcated from an early age.
Was you joking about being an MD? Must admit you do not come across as a MD but, there again, what do I know:D.
Tungsten Chef
11-06-08, 06:44
Must say that I think you are totally wrong and I still maintain that it is the brightest, most ambitious Filipino's that are leaving the country. You mention that they are taking up blue collar jobs but fail to realise that the people taking these jobs are often highly qualified graduates who could not find suitable employment in the Philippines. So you have the ridiculous situation of doctors, engineers and other skilled professionals leaving the Philippines to take up better paid menial work abroad. I know of one qualified doctor who is working as a casualty department porter in a London hospital whilst he studies to gain his conversion qualification so he may practice in UK. This is not uncommon.
Don't know where the States find their nurses but the NHS in UK has recruited over 2,500 Philippine nurses and they have quickly gained a reputation for being hard working, well trained, efficient and most importantly unfailingly courteous and caring towards patients under their care. The NHS would come to a grinding halt without them. Cannot believe you say that they do not possess manners when, if you know Filipino/a's at all well, you should know that good manners is one thing they possess in abundance, having being inculcated from an early age.
Was you joking about being an MD? Must admit you do not come across as a MD but, there again, what do I know:D.70% filapino workforce at my place of employment. I can tell you, as I'm sure the rest of the Caucasian workers can too, that the new breed of immigrant has a very poor work ethic. Little effort put into the job. The majority of the time they have to be told what to do. Not much initiative. As 1 woman said they make the mistakes and the canadians fix them. Life under the banana trees probably made them this way. Lots of other stuff I can tell you about them, but I won't, as a certain man in plaid called me a racist last time I posted a big spiel. I guess he's trying to win brownie points or something.
Its funny, every trip I get to Thailand Im often sitting having coffee with a former Thai freebie, a current Thai freebie or a soon to be Thai freebie. In fact I often have more coffee than beer in Thailand lol.
Maybe Im the exception to the rule?
What type of Thais are you referring to? The run of the mill Isaan type or the Thai-Chinese. I could have had a “freebie” with a beautiful ISAAN girl a couple of weeks ago while I was in Bangkok. I am sorry but if you don’t live there I just don’t see a guy scoring with the Thai-Chinese types on short visits.
Darth Sushi
11-06-08, 11:37
I saw this sign at a gas station in AC:
Wanted, gas station cashier, must have college degree with computer experience.
Also, wanted, pump attendant with some college.
On my first day of calculus, my teacher told the class the following disclaimer: "If you don't like math and you can open and close your hands, please drop my class now and pump gas instead!" Only in the PI you'll need a degree to open and close your hands :D
GoodEnough
11-06-08, 12:26
Maybe we have done this topic to death already, but I could not resist. It's absolutely true, as Gamahucher says, that an ever growing flood of the country's best and brightest are leaving the country. It's a subject that's been analyzed extensively by academics here, and there's no doubt of the phenomenon. In fact, an entire service industry, devoted to the overseas placement of skilled emigres has sprouted and it's firmly rooted in the brain drain concept. It's the dream of literally every nurse graduating from school here to get the hell out and to go to the US, the UK, Australia, Singapore, or wherever. In my company, we have a difficult time holding on to Civil Engineers who, as soon as they get some experience with us, are recruited to Dubai or elsewhere in the Emirates for far more than we can pay, and by local standards we pay very well.
This is an economy that is simply incapable of producing a sufficient number of decent job, and the problem is exacerbated by highly restrictive, arcane labor laws that actually discourage the creation of full time employment.
Remember, this is a country in which approximately 50% of the population gets by on less than $2 a day and in which an ever growing proportion of people go hungry every day. It's a country run by the rich few entirely for the benefit of the rich few...morally bankrupt and would be financially bankrupt were it not for the constant stream of hard currency remitted by the 10% of the population living overseas. It's a country in which more than 70% of the population--according to the Social Weather Service--report that they would leave for greener pastures overseas if only they could.
GE
Khun Larry
11-06-08, 17:03
Its funny, every trip I get to Thailand Im often sitting having coffee with a former Thai freebie, a current Thai freebie or a soon to be Thai freebie. In fact I often have more coffee than beer in Thailand lol.
Maybe Im the exception to the rule?
Thanks for the comment FF ... I was really referring to socializing with people who may be considered friends, a guy to have a few beers with, which is a bit different than the experience you describe with thai ladies.
I heard this comment from a long time expat in Thailand: There are two groups of farangs in Thailand. The first group are those who have no thai friends. The second group are those who do not know they have no thai friends. The more time I spend in Thailand the more I believe it.
So I wonder if the same saying applies in The Phills.
Thanks for your comment Professional and DW-1.
I would like to hear experience of others if available.
For what it is worth, IMO Filipina are much better fucks that Thai birds.
70% filapino workforce at my place of employment. I can tell you, as I'm sure the rest of the Caucasian workers can too, that the new breed of immigrant has a very poor work ethic. Little effort put into the job. The majority of the time they have to be told what to do. Not much initiative. As 1 woman said they make the mistakes and the canadians fix them. Life under the banana trees probably made them this way. Lots of other stuff I can tell you about them, but I won't, as a certain man in plaid called me a racist last time I posted a big spiel. I guess he's trying to win brownie points or something.
Agreed, its so silly when someone calls you racist, to me if a filipino or a black person who has been in the states for 5 generation. They have very little in common culturally with their ethnic roots for the most part. If you live long enough in a country you become part of that country identity like it or not.
As for goodenough statement for doctors? I don't know about what its like in the U.K. but the U.S. tends to get the best and brighest from PI when it comes to nursing. Not that we have the inside track or anything like that filipina naturally want to come to the U.S. over other countries in general. PI Doctors who manage to come here aren't able to pass the boards, and actually have to go back to school and become nurses, its a very common practice. I asked one such fellow, why he gave up being an MD in PI to come here and become a nurse. He said its better to be a slave in heaven than a king in hell. I don't know if I agree with that statement, but from long conversation with him, if you have money you can get into medical school, and if you bribe the teachers you can pass the courses. I' m not saying every single doctor does this in PI, but hearing it from the horses mouth makes you wonder the quality of MD being produce. I know this practice is a given in the nursing paper mill industry in PI. But did not realize that it happened with MD as well.
FreebieFan
11-07-08, 01:08
Hi,
About my Thai coffee friends and that "you do not see me having coffee with thai Chinese or thai isaan etc. Just as I pick up Filipinas on DIA/Hi5/Tagged/Friendster/CL/and all the other sites, the same techniques and methods can and have been applied in Thailand.
Its a tad different as the language skills arent quite there but the interest in meeting a decent looking and decent guy for coffee / date/ oops did we just make love etc are exactly the same as in Phils and in Indonesia for that matter.
Whether they are Isaan/Thai Chinese isn't exactly my concern. But no. They arent dark farm/provincial girls and are most certainly sweet city girls who arent trick turning girls. They are available. You just have to look.
This notion that Thai girls are either working bar girls or outta reach girls is a fallacy. You just have to chat with style. Last trip had 3 and have a super sweet 22 yr old one joining me in Singapore in two weeks time. She works in real estate company.
Hi,
About my Thai coffee friends and that "you do not see me having coffee with thai Chinese or thai isaan etc. Just as I pick up Filipinas on DIA/Hi5/Tagged/Friendster/CL/and all the other sites, the same techniques and methods can and have been applied in Thailand.
Its a tad different as the language skills arent quite there but the interest in meeting a decent looking and decent guy for coffee / date/ oops did we just make love etc are exactly the same as in Phils and in Indonesia for that matter.
Whether they are Isaan/Thai Chinese isn't exactly my concern. But no. They arent dark farm/provincial girls and are most certainly sweet city girls who arent trick turning girls. They are available. You just have to look.
This notion that Thai girls are either working bar girls or outta reach girls is a fallacy. You just have to chat with style. Last trip had 3 and have a super sweet 22 yr old one joining me in Singapore in two weeks time. She works in real estate company.
I have fucked women in Asia on short visits after meeting them online. Well that's different you are meeting them before hand online. The Thai-Chinese are snooty as hell I don't care if you look like Brad Pitt and got the pockets of Bill Gates you are just not going to pick them off the street and fuck them on short visits. Being White can give you a leg up but it is still not a guarantee. Old Thai Hand has spoke on this and from my experiences I know if you are non-white or white Asian (Japanese etc) forget it.
Guys I have been banging my head against a wall last few weeks regarding real-estate in the Philippines and my impending purchase of a $70,000 condo. I was a dove but after all the stuff I have read and learned I am now a hawk. I am 100 percent against foreigners trying to buy property in the Philippines.
Reasons:
People involved:
The realtors and developer (company) say the property is a freehold condo which the word freehold means you can keep the condo unit forever. What they don’t tell you is that the is condo is part of corporation it’s almost like you are buying a stock in a company and you are a shareholder. Per say Philippine law a corporation only has a life of 50 years. After those 50 years the “shareholders” have to come to a vote what to do with the assets of the building. You don’t know what type of neighbohors you will have and if it is your property you can’t just get up and leave right?
Personal Reasons:
Being in a LTR there is no need for a condo. They are good for full time mongers and guys who change their significant others like toilet paper but if you monger part-time as me then a hotel will save you time and money in the long run.
The Money:
In this point in time I have already invested $20,000 in this country in due to my house now. I thought about it do really want to invest another $70,000 in this country where the laws and the odds of anything good coming out of it are so much against? (I mean guys when I say the laws are bad they are fucking bad later on that) It was a hard decision to let this condo go because the unit was located in a close proximity to Makati and the Fort. I could take that money and buy a house in my own country where can own outright whatever the hell I want.
There is also maintenance fees which come out to 85PHP per sqm. So my unit was going to 80 sqm. Means when I would have finished paying off the unit I would have still been out of 6800PHP= $144 a month. That’s the whole purpose of buying property so you can stop paying for shit right? That sum comes out to almost $2000 year. Some people pay less than that in the States in property taxes.
Rent in the states would fetch me double the rent I would get on an equivalent property here. Though the housing market in the States is fucked right now it will bounce back that is something you can count on like the sun coming up every morning. I call myself Daddy Warbucks but I am not rich and for me investing in this country is a tremendous crap-shoot. I just wasn’t ready to risk that type of capital.
The Laws:
Guys the real-estate laws in this country are downright-racist and medieval.
Land ownership:
1935 Law:
Only if an ancestor of yours owned land before 1935 when the current real-estate laws were passed and that ancestor passed the property down to you... you then can own that specified land.
Company or Bogus Company:
You can start a company but the company still has to be controlled 51% by a Filipino or Filipinos per say you need at least 5 Filipinos to start up your company legally. Your company but still can't own?
Leasing:
Ahhh… this one we hear about so much...considered to be a good a option. It won’t help much as the land will still be controlled by a Filipino. If you lease the land from your girlfriend and say you guys fall the fuck out then what? You can’t sale because she still owns the land. You can’t stay because if she is vindictive she will make your life a living hell. Get the picture?
If you are rich then no problem but if your not guys stay with the hotels or RENT A Condo long term the laws are not set up for you to win. The laws are set in place to only gain money from you and not let you gain anything. Daddy Warbucks has learned the hard way and I am glad I didn’t learn anymore.
DW over and out….
Guys I have been banging my head against a wall last few weeks regarding real-estate in the Philippines and my impending purchase of a $70,000 condo. I was a dove but after all the stuff I have read and learned I am now a hawk. I am 100 percent against foreigners trying to buy property in the Philippines.
Reasons:
People involved:
The realtors and developer (company) say the property is a freehold condo which the word freehold means you can keep the condo unit forever. What they don’t tell you is that the is condo is part of corporation it’s almost like you are buying a stock in a company and you are a shareholder. Per say Philippine law a corporation only has a life of 50 years. After those 50 years the “shareholders” have to come to a vote what to do with the assets of the building. You don’t know what type of neighbohors you will have and if it is your property you can’t just get up and leave right?
Yes, they told me freehold, but didn't say anything about the 50 years. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'll be around that long. Perhaps you might think of it that way.
Personal Reasons:
Being in a LTR there is no need for a condo. They are good for full time mongers and guys who change their significant others like toilet paper but if you monger part-time as me then a hotel will save you time and money in the long run.
The Money:
In this point in time I have already invested $20,000 in this country in due to my house now. I thought about it do really want to invest another $70,000 in this country where the laws and the odds of anything good coming out of it are so much against? (I mean guys when I say the laws are bad they are fucking bad later on that) It was a hard decision to let this condo go because the unit was located in a close proximity to Makati and the Fort. I could take that money and buy a house in my own country where can own outright whatever the hell I want.
There is also maintenance fees which come out to 85PHP per sqm. So my unit was going to 80 sqm. Means when I would have finished paying off the unit I would have still been out of 6800PHP= $144 a month. That’s the whole purpose of buying property so you can stop paying for shit right? That sum comes out to almost $2000 year. Some people pay less than that in the States in property taxes.
If you bought a condo in the US, you would have homeowner association fees. These are typically in the $200 to $400 range. Nothing new there.
Rent in the states would fetch me double the rent I would get on an equivalent property here. Though the housing market in the States is fucked right now it will bounce back that is something you can count on like the sun coming up every morning. I call myself Daddy Warbucks but I am not rich and for me investing in this country is a tremendous crap-shoot. I just wasn’t ready to risk that type of capital.
You need to be able to sleep at night. About the real estate in the US, it will be awhile before it comes back and it will be slow when it does. I've been speculating what effect this is going to have on the RP market since much of it is funded by filipinos working overseas. The RP banks may not have played that much in the global banking problems, but there's no escaping the effects on those foreign workers. Guess I will see for myself when I get there again.
The Laws:
Guys the real-estate laws in this country are downright-racist and medieval.
Land ownership:
1935 Law:
Only if an ancestor of yours owned land before 1935 when the current real-estate laws were passed and that ancestor passed the property down to you... you then can own that specified land.
Company or Bogus Company:
You can start a company but the company still has to be controlled 51% by a Filipino or Filipinos per say you need at least 5 Filipinos to start up your company legally. Your company but still can't own?
I thought it was 60%. I know someone posted here a year or two ago about the short list of businesses that don't require 60% filipino ownership. All of them required deep pockets except for export-oriented. The trick of course is to find a local partner you can trust. Good luck with that one.
Leasing:
Ahhh… this one we hear about so much...considered to be a good a option. It won’t help much as the land will still be controlled by a Filipino. If you lease the land from your girlfriend and say you guys fall the fuck out then what? You can’t sale because she still owns the land. You can’t stay because if she is vindictive she will make your life a living hell. Get the picture?
If you are rich then no problem but if your not guys stay with the hotels or RENT A Condo long term the laws are not set up for you to win. The laws are set in place to only gain money from you and not let you gain anything. Daddy Warbucks has learned the hard way and I am glad I didn’t learn anymore.
DW over and out….
Last time I was in the RP, I visited a project that was being built in Makati as a favor to a friend and they were really putting on the hard sell. When I get that kind of treatment, I start thinking there's something they're not telling me so the harder they come on, the harder I resist. In the US and the UK, the rule of law is usually sufficient to assure clean transactions provided that you've done your due diligence. Not to mention freeholds really are freeholds. DW, thanks for letting us know it is not necessarily so there. As you say, if one is rich and has room for a risky investment, then no problem. But for the rest of us, second thoughts abound...
LoveAsianWhores
11-10-08, 02:46
Guys I have been banging my head against a wall last few weeks regarding real-estate in the Philippines and my impending purchase of a $70,000 condo. I was a dove but after all the stuff I have read and learned I am now a hawk. I am 100 percent against foreigners trying to buy property in the Philippines.
Reasons:
People involved:
The realtors and developer (company) say the property is a freehold condo which the word freehold means you can keep the condo unit forever. What they don’t tell you is that the is condo is part of corporation it’s almost like you are buying a stock in a company and you are a shareholder. Per say Philippine law a corporation only has a life of 50 years. After those 50 years the “shareholders” have to come to a vote what to do with the assets of the building. You don’t know what type of neighbohors you will have and if it is your property you can’t just get up and leave right?
Personal Reasons:
Being in a LTR there is no need for a condo. They are good for full time mongers and guys who change their significant others like toilet paper but if you monger part-time as me then a hotel will save you time and money in the long run.
….I can only say that you are going up the wrong alley on this one. Of course you own the condo freehold, it is just a Philippine version that is basically the same as in the west. In fact, if you do some research, you would find that many localities in the USA, and probably the rest of the world, work EXACTLY this way, and condo ownership is going this way all over. Let's say that that there are a hundred units in a hundred year old building, right in the middle of downtown. The building is so old that it needs to be torn down and redeveloped. Without such an arrangement, the owners would have the expense of going to court to force a single owner who was a holdout. In fact, that is almost always what always happens with very old buildings because there is always someone that causes problems. All this type of ownership vehicle does is avoid an expensive court case at the end. Condo's are very safe from a title standpoint. But with that said, I would still recommend against buying one for other reasons that I have mentioned in earlier posts (renting makes much more financial sense, and there are maintainence issues with condos out here).
Yes, they told me freehold, but didn't say anything about the 50 years. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'll be around that long. Perhaps you might think of it that way.
True but I am in my late 20s and I watched my mother and father [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) all their money and lives away on rent. I don’t have kids but when I do have it would be nice to leave them with something in material property. That is how families build wealth.
Yes If you bought a condo in the US, you would have homeowner association fees. These are typically in the $200 to $400 range. Nothing new there.
Yes all condos in all parts of the world have maintenance fees but $1200 a year in PI no way. On the other hand a house in Metro Manila taxes on 3,000000PHP house would run about 4500PHP a year. Basically chump change. So you see as a foreigner you will forever spend...what I said in the last post the laws let you gain nothing.
You need to be able to sleep at night. About the real estate in the US, it will be awhile before it comes back and it will be slow when it does. I've been speculating what effect this is going to have on the RP market since much of it is funded by Filipinos working overseas. The RP banks may not have played that much in the global banking problems, but there's no escaping the effects on those foreign workers. Guess I will see for myself when I get there again.
Yes it will be awhile before the US market corrects itself but it will. Also that is my country so I am protected by all the laws of the land unlike here where if you are foreigner you are on fence simple as that.
I thought it was 60%. I know someone posted here a year or two ago about the short list of businesses that don't require 60% filipino ownership. All of them required deep pockets except for export-oriented. The trick of course is to find a local partner you can trust. Good luck with that one.
I stand corrected. Yes it is 60%. So what that means your company your money more than likely but a Filipino or Filipinos still have to own 60% to your 40%….makes sense to you? Because it sure as hell don’t to me.
Last time I was in the RP, I visited a project that was being built in Makati as a favor to a friend and they were really putting on the hard sell. When I get that kind of treatment, I start thinking there's something they're not telling me so the harder they come on, the harder I resist. In the US and the UK, the rule of law is usually sufficient to assure clean transactions provided that you've done your due diligence. Not to mention freeholds really are freeholds. DW, thanks for letting us know it is not necessarily so there. As you say, if one is rich and has room for a risky investment, then no problem. But for the rest of us, second thoughts abound...
Exactly that’s why the next piece of property I buy will be in the US where I don’t have worry about all these silly stipulations just because I don’t have the blood of a native. Wow what a country.
Redfield10
11-10-08, 08:00
Real estate isn't necessarily how one builds wealth. In fact, I submit that those days are over. The U. S. Is an Empire of Debt. Foreign countries are now discontinuing the buying of our debt and I believe we're seeing the ramifications of a few decades of recless debt building in the U. S.
Part of the whole problem in the U. S. Is that people buy property because they think 1. It's their birthright and 2. They think it will always go up
While property has generally increased in the U. S. Over the decades, this is not a guarantee. In fact, historically, real estate has only increased at about the rate of inflation. There were two huge bubbles. Post WWII and from about 1997 to 2005. The rest of the time the real estate market was basicallyi flat.
No dispespect, but if you are only in your 20's you really don't have the perspective of folks decades older than you.
True but I am in my late 20s and I watched my mother and father [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) all their money and lives away on rent. I don’t have kids but when I do have it would be nice to leave them with something in material property. That is how families build wealth.
Yes all condos in all parts of the world have maintenance fees but $1200 a year in PI no way. On the other hand a house in Metro Manila taxes on 3,000000PHP house would run about 4500PHP a year. Basically chump change. So you see as a foreigner you will forever spend...what I said in the last post the laws let you gain nothing.
Yes it will be awhile before the US market corrects itself but it will. Also that is my country so I am protected by all the laws of the land unlike here where if you are foreigner you are on fence simple as that.
I stand corrected. Yes it is 60%. So what that means your company your money more than likely but a Filipino or Filipinos still have to own 60% to your 40%….makes sense to you? Because it sure as hell don’t to me.
Exactly that’s why the next piece of property I buy will be in the US where I don’t have worry about all these silly stipulations just because I don’t have the blood of a native. Wow what a country.
FreebieFan
11-11-08, 01:07
Lots of stuff about property here. And we all have different opinions about it. Buying real estate in a country that isn't your own has some great advantages in terms of lifestyle changes etc. But the fact it isn't your own country and subject to your own countries rules and regulations means you need to know what your doing. And if you don't. Then don't.
There are some very good places to live in Philippines and although the real estate market doesn't follow the normal patterns of suply and demand (location being the key determinant there for value increases) the compensation is in lifestyle that maybe substantialy better than avaialabe in your home country. But as with all investments. THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES!
(renting makes much more financial sense, and there are maintainence issues with condos out here).
In only renting condos or renting period? Rent is just money down the drain...especially if you know you’re going to stay somewhere long term.
Real estate isn't necessarily how one builds wealth. In fact, I submit that those days are over. The U. S. Is an Empire of Debt. Foreign countries are now discontinuing the buying of our debt and I believe we're seeing the ramifications of a few decades of recless debt building in the U. S.
What I meant by this statement…. Not speculating with the property or investing but simple savings. I think all people can agree a great proportion of money goes to rent and mortgages. If that was something you didn’t have to pay or only had to pay taxes which in all countries are lower relative to rent then you therefore would be saving a substantial amount of your income.. saving=building wealth.
Part of the whole problem in the U. S. Is that people buy property because they think 1. It's their birthright and 2. They think it will always go up
Damn bro. Who the hell doesn’t want a house a place to call their own? While home ownership is certainly not a birthright it should be available to all who can afford.
No dispespect, but if you are only in your 20's you really don't have the perspective of folks decades older than you.
That is true but I can read and comprehend what I am reading. What does my age have to do with my viewpoint? What is your perspective on the subject matter in respect to the older guys?
Lots of stuff about property here. And we all have different opinions about it. Buying real estate in a country that isn't your own has some great advantages in terms of lifestyle changes etc. But the fact it isn't your own country and subject to your own countries rules and regulations means you need to know what your doing. And if you don't. Then don't.
There are some very good places to live in Philippines and although the real estate market doesn't follow the normal patterns of suply and demand (location being the key determinant there for value increases) the compensation is in lifestyle that maybe substantialy better than avaialabe in your home country. But as with all investments. THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES!
Can't disagree with nothing here.
Puerto La Cruz
11-11-08, 13:57
First, I sense that this is your first home buying experience. Next, that experience is significantly different as you are buying in another country. The monthly assessment is not particularly high on an American scale however, questionable on a filipino scale. Putting things into perspective though, when I had my condo in the DR the assessment got as high as $300.00 a month, but that included electricity.
LoveAsianWhores
11-11-08, 15:45
In only renting condos or renting period? Rent is just money down the drain...especially if you know you’re going to stay somewhere long term.Renting is not money down the drain. You need to do a detailed cost/benefit of the rent/buy options considering the cost of funds (mortgage rate), opportunity cost of the capital invested (what else could the money be invested in), discount rate (the rate of dreprecation of the cash, or inflation), depreciation of the property (what will the condo be worth when you sell it), beta (the risk in buying property such as maybe the building will need to be torn down in 20 years, among numerous other risks), ownership costs (insurance, maintainence, association dues), cash flow analysis (what is the actual difference in cash outlays per month if you rent vs. Buy), etc. Etc. Saying that rent is money down the drain is simplistic. Although, my comment that renting was the better option was simplistic as well. Each real estate situation is unique. My background back in the USA was financial anaysis for a mortgage company, so I look at things differently. It is my opinion that in the Phippines, it is generally better to rent a condo than to buy from a financial perspective, but there are certainly deals where that is not true, and there are also aspects to home ownership that cannot be quanified in dollars and cents (or I guss pesos out here)
Khun Larry
11-11-08, 21:21
I have fucked women in Asia on short visits after meeting them online. Well that's different you are meeting them before hand online. The Thai-Chinese are snooty as hell I don't care if you look like Brad Pitt and got the pockets of Bill Gates you are just not going to pick them off the street and fuck them on short visits. Being White can give you a leg up but it is still not a guarantee. Old Thai Hand has spoke on this and from my experiences I know if you are non-white or white Asian (Japanese etc) forget it.
The days of white farangs being the foreigner of choice for Thai girls are fading fast DW. Places I use to go to 10 years ago are now dominated by Japanese and girls prefer them much more than westerners due to simple economics - japs consume less time and pay more money. A jap will easily pay 3000 - 4000 baht short time buy drinks, pay taxi etc. Buying girls is part of their culture and the girls like it. Sure whitie can score many ladies but not like before when japs were considered a lesser catch. For a "non-working" thai, and there are very few of these in the country, westerner can still find some gems but not very easily in a 2 week or 1 month trip. Thais are very sneaky, if you are a visitor and think you have found a nice girl chances are at least 20:1 you have been fooled.
On the other subject of renting vs buy I offer my motto:
In any 3rd world country rent your car, rent your house, rent your lady. If you buy there is always an unknown way to loose everything.
Fastpiston
11-14-08, 07:09
Rent, do NOT buy.
With houses, you cannot own them, so they are a 'gift' to your Filipina. In addition, most of those cute houses they hand around in brochures have only one support post with the thinnest reinforcing steel possible. With an earthquake, they will all come down like a pack of cards. With a condo, watch out for the building quality. There is so much corruption in the building trade, you don't know what will happen when you are in it!
This looked like a good place to ask.
I have been following the safe sex discussions with great interest but not much on which brands of condom you guys prefer and their availability in Manila, Angeles and Subic areas. Which feels best and which are most reliable? Use lube inside/outside or dry? Where to buy? Haven't needed them in 20 years so know little.
Thanks,
Slim
Wicked Roger
11-17-08, 12:32
This looked like a good place to ask.
I have been following the safe sex discussions with great interest but not much on which brands of condom you guys prefer and their availability in Manila, Angeles and Subic areas. Which feels best and which are most reliable? Use lube inside/outside or dry? Where to buy? Haven't needed them in 20 years so know little.
Thanks,
Slim
Hi Slim
There been some sporadic discussion on this but IMHO bring them from wherever you live as some of the locally made ones are not that good, safe/secure and for some of us too small :D
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1902
Darth Sushi
11-17-08, 17:54
This looked like a good place to ask.
I have been following the safe sex discussions with great interest but not much on which brands of condom you guys prefer and their availability in Manila, Angeles and Subic areas. Which feels best and which are most reliable? Use lube inside/outside or dry? Where to buy? Haven't needed them in 20 years so know little.
Thanks,
Slim
Whatever you do, never buy the local brands. I usually buy Durex, which are usually made in Thailand or U.K.. There is also a Japanese brand called Okamoto but it's a little tight fitting; however the wall is very thin so this is the brand of choice for a covered BJ! Both are reliable and are about 70 to 85 pesos for a box of 3. I usually buy from Watson, Mercury or Manson drug store. You can usually find a Watson drug store inside most SM malls. I also like to buy a tube of KY (outside) because the gals will really appreciate it especially if you like to go for marathon sessions. Interestingly, many gals don't even know what KY is for but after one session, they act like it's the best thing since slice bread. Happy hunting!
ShadowAxis
11-19-08, 13:20
i bought a condo in makati almost 4 years ago. it is 150ish sqm. with a parking slot (titled) on the 20th floor of a 38 floor building. it was a 3 bedroom back-converted to a very large 2 bedroom w/maid quarters. purchase price was 5. 1 million (at p56 to the dollar) which seemed like a fair amount based on comparable units in the market. this covered everything in the transaction including a condo certificate of title from the makati city hall (where i picked up the original copy and paid about 10 months of back taxes). i took many months to make the decision. and here are the lessons learned.
if you are a working professional you'll probably need to live in manila. (close to the airport) manila is a lot like mexico city. spend a few months here and get to know the place. the best places to live in terms of investment value are makati, rockwell, and fort bonafacio. the most interesting places (in manila) to live in terms of lifestyle are malate (awesome nightlife and shopping, tons of pussy (and stick pussy should you indulge)), near the water, close to the us embassy) and makati. i choose to buy in makati as it's the financial district of the country, lots of old money, great restaurants / shopping and there were better deals in makati than the fort and rockwell (which are newer areas). while malate may have been more fun (in terms of the classic "pearl of the orient" experience) makati just made more financial sense. if you are retired, then tagatay and cebu are great choices (mostly beach and resort destinations). in all these places you can get decent internet access. makati, rockwell and the fort are the best. followed by metro manila (malate), cebu and tagaytay.
you need no special visa to buy a condo. show up on a tourist visa. i recommend going to the philippine consulate and buying the one year tourist visa. they will automatically give you 59 days on arrival.
what did i do right?
use a local to handle every aspect of the transaction. agree on a price before you personally inspect the unit through your representative. if they sense a foreigner, the price goes way up so have a nice spanish sounding alias. have a local you can trust (or who's trust you can buy) do most of the legwork. do not use any member of your girlfriends family for this. in the philippines, everyone is looking for their cut.
examine the area. i almost bought a great 3 bedroom unit overlooking the manila yacht club in malate. they are now planning a new high rise that would have obliterated the view. do your own investigation of the area because the developers won't have a clue or will lie to you. real estate titans are at war here, and they will build in some areas just to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off competitor's in the market. look at the small things. super cheap doors and fixtures will translate directly into less rebar and more sand in the cement. examine hinges, wire gauges, locksets, under the counter plumbing, cracks in the concrete and fire control systems.
if you are buying from a developer, make sure you get a title. without a title you do not legally own anything. get this in writing before putting money down. if you are buying from a owner. make sure they have the title and taxes current, and in their name. there is no escrow. so when you pull the trigger you'll wire a big lump of cash to these people. know who they are, look at their passports. us tourist visas are a good sign that the owners are not in this to rip you off. basically, check the class credentials of the seller. if the sellers are clearly upper middle class, drive nice cars, have vacationed in the us and own reputable businesses the deal is probably on the level. if it is your girlfriends uncle who arranges visas for her friends to go work as entertainers in japan. you may have a problem. check whatever back story they tell you about why they are selling. remember. as a foreigner you can only own a condo. not a townhouse, not a connected property. if it has land (as part of the deal), the purchase is illegal and while you may still hand over the cash (and even get a title); in the eyes of the law you are not the rightful owner; someone will eventually find out and steal the property from you. again. only buy a condo.
ask about appliances. it is common for new units to lack air conditioners, hot water heaters, and kitchen appliances. expect to pay for these separately. make sure your unit has plumbing for hot water in the bathrooms and kitchens. chances are the maid quarters will not have facilities for aircon or hot water. (locals treat domestic help very poorly) if you plan to use the maid quarters as a quest room. make sure there is some reasonable way you can add these comforts. (i added a shower water heater, and was able to duct (hack) a small aircon unit that vents into the buildings exhaust fan system).
understand your building monthly fee structure. see if you can get a discount for paying all your fees yearly. make sure there is a working, tested fire alarm and sprinkler system. make sure there are no rules in the condo association that prevent you from voting if you are a foreigner. find out if any of the major owners or shareholders of the condo corp. actually live in the building. remember, uneducated filipinos are a very dirty people who live (and eat) like raccoons. make sure your building is strict about tenant boundaries. if the doorway to each unit has about 10 pairs of crappy sandals outside and a shrine to the virgin mary. don't buy in that building. locals will live with 8 roommates and leaks (water), roaches, puddles, short circuited appliances and bare wires don't seem to overly worry them. personal standards for cleanliness and sanitation are far lower than yours. even the best buildings in makati or the fort can have foul people supported by remittances raising chickens and living stone age lifestyles above or below you. look for signs of that. feathers in the hallway. look for other foreigners in the building. ask what percentage of units are owned by foreigners. ask how many owners live in their units. an owner occupied unit above you is likely to fix things like the inevitable leak in the plumbing which will destroy your drywall. the renter will live for months with no shower curtains, water pouring into the walls, a kitchen infested with roaches and a smell of burning wire they just can't pinpoint. i had renters above my unit with leaky plumbing, no shower curtains and tile damage in both bathrooms. it has taken a year to resolve. luckily, the building is reputable and tried to repair all damage. a process i had to babysit every step of the way. ask if your building has a local staff of maintenance engineers or contracts this out. you are much better off if they contract out. local building engineers are, in my experience all clueless yahoos who will paint over leak damage, stuff newspapers into walls to try to 'soak up the water' before it hits your drywall, or attempt cement patches on damp nonviable concrete. take lots of pictures as they do the work. remember. there is a reason this country is such a shithole. it's a perfect storm of incompetence, laziness, corruption, poor education, remittance welfare, low standards and an accepted practice of jacking foreigners. you will deal with this in the nicest buildings, and even the nicest buildings will (due to the tropical weather and pollution) look 30 years old five years into your ownership.
keep all utility bills, receipts (especially for appliances), invoices, everything. you will need them for taxes, as proof of payment, to establish that your electrical meter has broken (why is my power bill 40% more this month); you never know when some scrap of paper will be the key to getting something done. never give anyone a complete set of keys to your condo. put us made high quality (medeco) deadbolts on all internal doors. insist on references and police clearances for any domestic help you may hire. lock, alarm and webcam everything.
be assertive about your property taxes. there is a strong chance you will not receive your yearly tax bill. before the locals declare your property in default without due notice (and "auction" the title to a friend or relative) send someone to city hall every year and take it upon yourself to pay the property tax proactively.
another unexpected surprise will be your utility bill. local rates for electricity are possibly the highest in the world. i typically spend $500. 00 us a month on electricity and water. however, i run my aircon (and dehumidifiers/ air filters) all the time, have lots of computers, and take hot showers.
shower (multipoint) water heaters will explode (and flood your kitchen / bathroom) should there be a dramatic change in water pressure. make sure your water heaters have a drain path, if possible, to a floor drain.
some unsolicited personal advice
be willing to consider whatever you invest here as "fun money". if you are just visiting to get laid. rent. if you don't have an income from outside the country. rent. you will not find any job in this country that will allow you to live a western lifestyle without some pretty high in-demand skills (you'll take a paycut) or a family member in the philippine senate. do not invest in any business venture until you have lived locally for at least five years and establish connections. never go into business with a girls family.
most guys are here for the pussy, the girls (at all economic levels) love to fuck and all speak english which makes it a lot more fun (and meaningful) than thailand or other similar destinations. risking the purchase price of a condo over a few pints of semen is not an intelligent financial decision. however, if you (also) love traveling in asia, a low cost of living, and being close to opportunities in the region i strongly believe the philippines represents the best overall investment opportunity in the pacific rim. however you only have rights as far as your cash and connections will carry. stay off the radar. do not attract attention or trouble to yourself. never forget these key points.
- you are a guest (be respectful in whatever dumb situation you face) in this country so act like one.. you are in a poor country. there is poverty all around you. never lose sight of this.. you have no rights here (beyond some minimal protection as an investor) and frankly if your "rights" are at issue, you're probably a self-absorbed idiot who's already lost the argument.. don't break the law but if paying a fee will settle the issue. go with the fee.. always carry photocopies of local id (don't carry the real id) unless you are going to the airport.. the locals have no ethical issues with ripping off foreigners. your embassy will not help you. re-read that a few times.. filipinos are pack animals that think and act as a group. his/her priorities will always be family, the children you may have together, friends and then possibly you.
if you are single, do not invite locals to your place. that girl you let yourself believe was at 18 at the bar will look 14 at breakfast the next morning eating a hot dog and txting her friends. what you spend on local hotels will pay huge dividends in peace of mind as your modest condo will come across as very wealthy here in the philippines. again, don't be a target. i am reminded of a story a friend tells. he told his girl that things were so expensive in san franciso that he spent p20k pesos on a coffee maker! she replied cleverly "i paid two pesos for mine! " and held up her spoon. the message intended was "things at home are super expensive so i don't always have a lot of money to send you, " the message received was "holy crap, this guy can blow a months salary on a coffee maker! "
ok. what did i do wrong? what mistakes did i make?
i can say that i did almost everything right. great location, lots of new buildings going up nearby and something the size i have usually sells (today) in the 9 to 10 million range. unlike my us investments, my property here has appreciated. owners live in the building, it is reasonably well maintained, many of the condo board members are also residents, it's not too poorly built.
ok. what i did not count on was the noise (mistake number one). even on the 20th floor if you have bus and jeepney traffic these morons will lay on the horns constantly, day and night. live deep inside a village and away from a main road. clashy noise is music to the filipino ear. they will park for 15 seconds outside your building, blast their mexican airhorns, and speed off before anyone (everyone) who heard it could possibly react to it's arrival. near as i can tell the horns have no purpose beyond amusing the drivers. if you have window style aircons they will pick up all the outside noise and direct it inside.
so, mistake number two. window style aircon units. even if you replace the crappy single pane glass the noise will still wake you up early. also, make sure the rocket scientists who design the building (if you have window style aircons) put them high up instead of on the floor. i have small fans in front of every aircon unit to direct the cold air upwards. which adds to the noise and cost. the aircon above you may drip onto your aircon making a loud banging noise with each drop. all night long. buildings are supposed to fix these things but you'll wind up being responsible for getting them to act no matter where you buy. lastly, submit all requests to your building office in writing because the locals love paperwork even more than dried out fish and burnt pork. demand a written reply. (you won't get one, and this is a good precedent to set should anything ever go to court).
local electrical systems are not grounded and locally manufactured switches, outlets, and other electrical devices are garbage. expect to replace everything. be very careful when replacing. if you have computers or home theater systems you care about buy a high quality power / noise filter (or ups) from apc. use data center grade gear and don't skimp (do not buy any locally manufactured junk.) there are surges, brown outs, and extreme variations in voltages and frequencies. until i put my computer rack on a decent standby power system and regulator, i lost power supplies and motherboards frequently.
i have broken the "don't bring a girl here, " rule on a number of occasions and have regretted it at least 50% of the time (mistakes 3, 4, 5, 6.). one girl (who i suspect may have been ****) became a stalker leaving me notes, letters, cards and sending crazy text messages. another quickly made friends with the building guards (one was, of course, a distant relative) who (for a while) reported my comings and goings to her long after we were no longer an item. others texting me "can i come over, " or just showing up. (much better to spend the night in my clean place, hot water, lots of food, fresh sheets, clean towels, someone to hug) then back in a bad 3rd world rental room shared with other 7 other girls. again. never forget that this is a poor country. remember the best part of paying for it is saying goodbye when the transaction is complete!
ok. so you have bought a place because no one could talk you out of it. (or sending that girl money every month for the last two years). what's next?
before you leave the usa (which is where i am from) sign up for vonage. get the device all set up and configured then toss it in your luggage. there is nothing like being able to call friends and family for the sanity check you will frequently require. they can also call you locally, which is good. bring a good uniden 5. 8 ghz base with extra handsets and batteries.
get on ebay and order medeco deadbolts (and extra keys). you'll immediately want to install locks the locals can't pick, drill, or make copies of keys. don't buy a lock for your door (like one of those cool fingerprint jobs) that costs more than the average local makes in a month. nothing you own or do should stand out.
use mon cargo (on the west coast) to ship heavy stuff. standard u-haul 3x3 boxes are $50. 00 each with no weight restriction. they will go sea cargo so don't ship your pets or anything you really need badly.
i'm in the computer business, i have both pldt dsl and skycable. highest speeds possible into a netgear load balancer. if you require things like big hard disks, or a new pc. buy it in the us and ship it as personal effects.computer equipment in the philippines is about 6 months behind the rest of the world and usually broken or defective when you buy it as new. so load up in the us or japan, and walk with confidence through "nothing to declare. " in almost 4 years of living here i have never been stopped. don't bother shipping appliances or power tools, the philippines is 220 vac.
the american expat community here is small and very xenophobic. i almost never see other americans while out and about. figure out some way to get involved and meet people. you will get lonely, and the comforts of a pretty girl only go so far. reach out with the understanding that you will need to work twice as hard to be seen as anything other than "that white guy. " when you do meet other white guys. be very selective. most people are here for a reason, if they aren't with a big us company or the embassy then they will be ex-military, selling bogus stock through illegal boiler rooms, or participating in other adventures you probably don't want much to do with. lastly, whenever anyone asks me what it's like to live here i simply say "imagine what hong kong would be like today if the british had turned it over to the mexicans. "
never forget. bro's before ho's!
welcome to se asia!. feel free to pm me with corrections or comments.
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.
Never forget. Bro's before Ho's!
Congratulations ShadowAxis. That was so thoroughly and thoughtfully prepared and offers great golden advice from obviously hard gained experience. Brilliant!
You are a relatively new contributor here (unless you have changed your penname) and I certainly look forward to more.
"Imagine what Hong Kong would be like today if the British had turned it over to the Mexicans. "
Yes I have to agree with KongKing; excellent report!
Unfortunately, I am not able to PM you so hopefully at some point you can remedy that.
GoodEnough
11-19-08, 23:27
Thanks ShadowAxis for the superb report. In five years of living here it's the most concise, and most accurate summary of sound advice I've seen. Though I live in Davao, and not Manila, everything you said, aside from the geographic recommendations, also hold true.
Given the litany of things to check/things to watch out for/hassles about paying taxes and so on simply reinforced my conviction that I never want to own anything here other than my car. It's simply too much aggravation for too little return in my view, and for as long as I'm here I will continue to rent.
GE
i live in the phs., though not in the ncr. this is one of the greatest posts i have ever read on any board. and the gentleman has only 4 posts to his credit. let's hear more from him.
i bought a condo in makati almost 4 years ago. it is 150ish sqm. with a parking slot (titled) on the 20th floor of a 38 floor building. it was a 3 bedroom back-converted to a very large 2 bedroom w/maid quarters. purchase price was 5. 1 million (at p56 to the dollar) which seemed like a fair amount based on comparable units in the market. this covered everything in the transaction including a condo certificate of title from the makati city hall (where i picked up the original copy and paid about 10 months of back taxes). i took many months to make the decision. and here are the lessons learned.
if you are a working professional you'll probably need to live in manila. (close to the airport) manila is a lot like mexico city. spend a few months here and get to know the place. the best places to live in terms of investment value are makati, rockwell, and fort bonafacio. the most interesting places (in manila) to live in terms of lifestyle are malate (awesome nightlife and shopping, tons of pussy (and stick pussy should you indulge)), near the water, close to the us embassy) and makati. i choose to buy in makati as it's the financial district of the country, lots of old money, great restaurants / shopping and there were better deals in makati than the fort and rockwell (which are newer areas). while malate may have been more fun (in terms of the classic "pearl of the orient" experience) makati just made more financial sense. if you are retired, then tagatay and cebu are great choices (mostly beach and resort destinations). in all these places you can get decent internet access. makati, rockwell and the fort are the best. followed by metro manila (malate), cebu and tagaytay.
you need no special visa to buy a condo. show up on a tourist visa. i recommend going to the philippine consulate and buying the one year tourist visa. they will automatically give you 59 days on arrival.
what did i do right?
use a local to handle every aspect of the transaction. agree on a price before you personally inspect the unit through your representative. if they sense a foreigner, the price goes way up so have a nice spanish sounding alias. have a local you can trust (or who's trust you can buy) do most of the legwork. do not use any member of your girlfriends family for this. in the philippines, everyone is looking for their cut.
examine the area. i almost bought a great 3 bedroom unit overlooking the manila yacht club in malate. they are now planning a new high rise that would have obliterated the view. do your own investigation of the area because the developers won't have a clue or will lie to you. real estate titans are at war here, and they will build in some areas just to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off competitor's in the market. look at the small things. super cheap doors and fixtures will translate directly into less rebar and more sand in the cement. examine hinges, wire gauges, locksets, under the counter plumbing, cracks in the concrete and fire control systems.
if you are buying from a developer, make sure you get a title. without a title you do not legally own anything. get this in writing before putting money down. if you are buying from a owner. make sure they have the title and taxes current, and in their name. there is no escrow. so when you pull the trigger you'll wire a big lump of cash to these people. know who they are, look at their passports. us tourist visas are a good sign that the owners are not in this to rip you off. basically, check the class credentials of the seller. if the sellers are clearly upper middle class, drive nice cars, have vacationed in the us and own reputable businesses the deal is probably on the level. if it is your girlfriends uncle who arranges visas for her friends to go work as entertainers in japan. you may have a problem. check whatever back story they tell you about why they are selling. remember. as a foreigner you can only own a condo. not a townhouse, not a connected property. if it has land (as part of the deal), the purchase is illegal and while you may still hand over the cash (and even get a title); in the eyes of the law you are not the rightful owner; someone will eventually find out and steal the property from you. again. only buy a condo.
ask about appliances. it is common for new units to lack air conditioners, hot water heaters, and kitchen appliances. expect to pay for these separately. make sure your unit has plumbing for hot water in the bathrooms and kitchens. chances are the maid quarters will not have facilities for aircon or hot water. (locals treat domestic help very poorly) if you plan to use the maid quarters as a quest room. make sure there is some reasonable way you can add these comforts. (i added a shower water heater, and was able to duct (hack) a small aircon unit that vents into the buildings exhaust fan system).
understand your building monthly fee structure. see if you can get a discount for paying all your fees yearly. make sure there is a working, tested fire alarm and sprinkler system. make sure there are no rules in the condo association that prevent you from voting if you are a foreigner. find out if any of the major owners or shareholders of the condo corp. actually live in the building. remember, uneducated filipinos are a very dirty people who live (and eat) like raccoons. make sure your building is strict about tenant boundaries. if the doorway to each unit has about 10 pairs of crappy sandals outside and a shrine to the virgin mary. don't buy in that building. locals will live with 8 roommates and leaks (water), roaches, puddles, short circuited appliances and bare wires don't seem to overly worry them. personal standards for cleanliness and sanitation are far lower than yours. even the best buildings in makati or the fort can have foul people supported by remittances raising chickens and living stone age lifestyles above or below you. look for signs of that. feathers in the hallway. look for other foreigners in the building. ask what percentage of units are owned by foreigners. ask how many owners live in their units. an owner occupied unit above you is likely to fix things like the inevitable leak in the plumbing which will destroy your drywall. the renter will live for months with no shower curtains, water pouring into the walls, a kitchen infested with roaches and a smell of burning wire they just can't pinpoint. i had renters above my unit with leaky plumbing, no shower curtains and tile damage in both bathrooms. it has taken a year to resolve. luckily, the building is reputable and tried to repair all damage. a process i had to babysit every step of the way. ask if your building has a local staff of maintenance engineers or contracts this out. you are much better off if they contract out. local building engineers are, in my experience all clueless yahoos who will paint over leak damage, stuff newspapers into walls to try to 'soak up the water' before it hits your drywall, or attempt cement patches on damp nonviable concrete. take lots of pictures as they do the work. remember. there is a reason this country is such a shithole. it's a perfect storm of incompetence, laziness, corruption, poor education, remittance welfare, low standards and an accepted practice of jacking foreigners. you will deal with this in the nicest buildings, and even the nicest buildings will (due to the tropical weather and pollution) look 30 years old five years into your ownership.
keep all utility bills, receipts (especially for appliances), invoices, everything. you will need them for taxes, as proof of payment, to establish that your electrical meter has broken (why is my power bill 40% more this month); you never know when some scrap of paper will be the key to getting something done. never give anyone a complete set of keys to your condo. put us made high quality (medeco) deadbolts on all internal doors. insist on references and police clearances for any domestic help you may hire. lock, alarm and webcam everything.
be assertive about your property taxes. there is a strong chance you will not receive your yearly tax bill. before the locals declare your property in default without due notice (and "auction" the title to a friend or relative) send someone to city hall every year and take it upon yourself to pay the property tax proactively.
another unexpected surprise will be your utility bill. local rates for electricity are possibly the highest in the world. i typically spend $500. 00 us a month on electricity and water. however, i run my aircon (and dehumidifiers/ air filters) all the time, have lots of computers, and take hot showers.
shower (multipoint) water heaters will explode (and flood your kitchen / bathroom) should there be a dramatic change in water pressure. make sure your water heaters have a drain path, if possible, to a floor drain.
some unsolicited personal advice
be willing to consider whatever you invest here as "fun money". if you are just visiting to get laid. rent. if you don't have an income from outside the country. rent. you will not find any job in this country that will allow you to live a western lifestyle without some pretty high in-demand skills (you'll take a paycut) or a family member in the philippine senate. do not invest in any business venture until you have lived locally for at least five years and establish connections. never go into business with a girls family.
most guys are here for the pussy, the girls (at all economic levels) love to fuck and all speak english which makes it a lot more fun (and meaningful) than thailand or other similar destinations. risking the purchase price of a condo over a few pints of semen is not an intelligent financial decision. however, if you (also) love traveling in asia, a low cost of living, and being close to opportunities in the region i strongly believe the philippines represents the best overall investment opportunity in the pacific rim. however you only have rights as far as your cash and connections will carry. stay off the radar. do not attract attention or trouble to yourself. never forget these key points.
- you are a guest (be respectful in whatever dumb situation you face) in this country so act like one.. you are in a poor country. there is poverty all around you. never lose sight of this.. you have no rights here (beyond some minimal protection as an investor) and frankly if your "rights" are at issue, you're probably a self-absorbed idiot who's already lost the argument.. don't break the law but if paying a fee will settle the issue. go with the fee.. always carry photocopies of local id (don't carry the real id) unless you are going to the airport.. the locals have no ethical issues with ripping off foreigners. your embassy will not help you. re-read that a few times.. filipinos are pack animals that think and act as a group. his/her priorities will always be family, the children you may have together, friends and then possibly you.
if you are single, do not invite locals to your place. that girl you let yourself believe was at 18 at the bar will look 14 at breakfast the next morning eating a hot dog and txting her friends. what you spend on local hotels will pay huge dividends in peace of mind as your modest condo will come across as very wealthy here in the philippines. again, don't be a target. i am reminded of a story a friend tells. he told his girl that things were so expensive in san franciso that he spent p20k pesos on a coffee maker! she replied cleverly "i paid two pesos for mine! " and held up her spoon. the message intended was "things at home are super expensive so i don't always have a lot of money to send you, " the message received was "holy crap, this guy can blow a months salary on a coffee maker! "
ok. what did i do wrong? what mistakes did i make?
i can say that i did almost everything right. great location, lots of new buildings going up nearby and something the size i have usually sells (today) in the 9 to 10 million range. unlike my us investments, my property here has appreciated. owners live in the building, it is reasonably well maintained, many of the condo board members are also residents, it's not too poorly built.
ok. what i did not count on was the noise (mistake number one). even on the 20th floor if you have bus and jeepney traffic these morons will lay on the horns constantly, day and night. live deep inside a village and away from a main road. clashy noise is music to the filipino ear. they will park for 15 seconds outside your building, blast their mexican airhorns, and speed off before anyone (everyone) who heard it could possibly react to it's arrival. near as i can tell the horns have no purpose beyond amusing the drivers. if you have window style aircons they will pick up all the outside noise and direct it inside.
so, mistake number two. window style aircon units. even if you replace the crappy single pane glass the noise will still wake you up early. also, make sure the rocket scientists who design the building (if you have window style aircons) put them high up instead of on the floor. i have small fans in front of every aircon unit to direct the cold air upwards. which adds to the noise and cost. the aircon above you may drip onto your aircon making a loud banging noise with each drop. all night long. buildings are supposed to fix these things but you'll wind up being responsible for getting them to act no matter where you buy. lastly, submit all requests to your building office in writing because the locals love paperwork even more than dried out fish and burnt pork. demand a written reply. (you won't get one, and this is a good precedent to set should anything ever go to court).
local electrical systems are not grounded and locally manufactured switches, outlets, and other electrical devices are garbage. expect to replace everything. be very careful when replacing. if you have computers or home theater systems you care about buy a high quality power / noise filter (or ups) from apc. use data center grade gear and don't skimp (do not buy any locally manufactured junk.) there are surges, brown outs, and extreme variations in voltages and frequencies. until i put my computer rack on a decent standby power system and regulator, i lost power supplies and motherboards frequently.
i have broken the "don't bring a girl here, " rule on a number of occasions and have regretted it at least 50% of the time (mistakes 3, 4, 5, 6.). one girl (who i suspect may have been ****) became a stalker leaving me notes, letters, cards and sending crazy text messages. another quickly made friends with the building guards (one was, of course, a distant relative) who (for a while) reported my comings and goings to her long after we were no longer an item. others texting me "can i come over, " or just showing up. (much better to spend the night in my clean place, hot water, lots of food, fresh sheets, clean towels, someone to hug) then back in a bad 3rd world rental room shared with other 7 other girls. again. never forget that this is a poor country. remember the best part of paying for it is saying goodbye when the transaction is complete!
ok. so you have bought a place because no one could talk you out of it. (or sending that girl money every month for the last two years). what's next?
before you leave the usa (which is where i am from) sign up for vonage. get the device all set up and configured then toss it in your luggage. there is nothing like being able to call friends and family for the sanity check you will frequently require. they can also call you locally, which is good. bring a good uniden 5. 8 ghz base with extra handsets and batteries.
get on ebay and order medeco deadbolts (and extra keys). you'll immediately want to install locks the locals can't pick, drill, or make copies of keys. don't buy a lock for your door (like one of those cool fingerprint jobs) that costs more than the average local makes in a month. nothing you own or do should stand out.
use mon cargo (on the west coast) to ship heavy stuff. standard u-haul 3x3 boxes are $50. 00 each with no weight restriction. they will go sea cargo so don't ship your pets or anything you really need badly.
i'm in the computer business, i have both pldt dsl and skycable. highest speeds possible into a netgear load balancer. if you require things like big hard disks, or a new pc. buy it in the us and ship it as personal effects.computer equipment in the philippines is about 6 months behind the rest of the world and usually broken or defective when you buy it as new. so load up in the us or japan, and walk with confidence through "nothing to declare. " in almost 4 years of living here i have never been stopped. don't bother shipping appliances or power tools, the philippines is 220 vac.
the american expat community here is small and very xenophobic. i almost never see other americans while out and about. figure out some way to get involved and meet people. you will get lonely, and the comforts of a pretty girl only go so far. reach out with the understanding that you will need to work twice as hard to be seen as anything other than "that white guy. " when you do meet other white guys. be very selective. most people are here for a reason, if they aren't with a big us company or the embassy then they will be ex-military, selling bogus stock through illegal boiler rooms, or participating in other adventures you probably don't want much to do with. lastly, whenever anyone asks me what it's like to live here i simply say "imagine what hong kong would be like today if the british had turned it over to the mexicans. "
never forget. bro's before ho's!
welcome to se asia!. feel free to pm me with corrections or comments.
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
11-20-08, 02:26
Never forget. Bro's before Ho's!
Excellent reporting, ShadowAxis! I salute you.
ShadowAxis -- Congrats! Very informative. I've been to the Philippines once (more than two decades ago, when I visited Manila and Puerto Galera), but everythng rings true. I felt there a bit like in Liberia in the early 1980s before the really bad stuff started. Whatever those countries lacked in identity, they compensated for by aping Americans in very strange ways.
Of course this happens all over. I was recently in Italy listening to a local FM station that was all in Italian. Except that every 15 minutes a voice declared in English: "One nation, one station." Go figure.
I bought a condo in Makati almost 4 years ago. It is 150ish sqm. With a parking slot (titled) on the 20th floor of a 38 floor building.
Welcome to SE Asia!. Feel free to PM me with corrections or comments.
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.
That’s a nice size condo and in Makati you got a steal of a deal. I went ahead and took the plunge after changing my mind like a weathervane….Last few years all I have been doing is pissing away thousands From Dubai to Tokyo on jewelry, clothes and hoes might as well buy something worthwhile. Thanks again for the report I have become a sort of monger of Philippine real-estate reading and net searching any reputable info and I can find about trade. What you said about it being one of the best places to invest in SE Asia a couple of reputable websites will back you up….here is one:
http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/investment-rating
Again Well Done.
Well worth reading. Have been visiting P. I. For about 20yrs. Now, sometimes 3x a year. Often thought of buying (vs. Renting) but renting seems the way to go. Not stuck in one place, move around the country, one suitcase of clothes. My compliments on well written report, logical, makes sense, most everything covered.
Thanks
I bought a condo in Makati almost 4 years ago. blue][/size]A very great and profound report i agree with what the other members say and this is the best report ive read in this topic, your title says it all. Ive been thinking about buying a condo at some point but my experience of Philippines is very limited ive only been there 2 times both of them last year. Im married to a filipina but she has not given me so much usefull info i think its becos she is used to the life there with all the corruption and hassle, where as i live in sweden and im used to things normally working smoothley. Ive thought about moving to PI if i get hold of enough money or when I retire (im still 29) and after reading your article I realise I have a lot to learn.
Cunning Stunt
11-21-08, 13:12
I bought a condo in Makati.....
May I add my small voice to the rapidly expanding heap of praise for your excellent report. Truly a candidate for the literary prize for mongering advice (could call it the Fookers Prize :D).
Wish I'd had sight of it before I bought my Condo last year although some of the conclusions you reached, I also arrived at after a lot of thought and discussion with various people. One decision that I quickly came to is that I would not opt for a unit in a high rise block. This is for reasons of noise pollution, difficulty in maintenance and also that Manila happens to be situated quite close to an active earthquake zone. And we all know that corners might be cut by the builders of these monsters in terms of quality of building materials and methods used.
For these reasons I opted for a unit in a low rise (maximum of 4 floors) garden development (another member described it as resort style), which is much quieter, pleasanter to live in, and, most importantly, safer.
But, at the end of the day, its all a matter of personal preference.
the french have a saying that goes "un homme averti en vaut deux, " which roughly means that a man who has been warned is worth two who have not been. this is a great maxim to follow here in the philippines.
i'm glad than wr's friend is at least getting some of his investment back. usually, this is not the case, and i've seen countless instances here of men who thought that their women were "different" and would never screw them. they wind up bewildered, embarrassed, and poorer. my advice, routinely ignored by those to whom i've given it, is never, under any circumstances, consider investing here more than you can easily afford to lose. never expect any return on the investment and be prepared to walk away once it all goes pear shaped.
since the "legal" system here is designed on american civil and criminal codes, it all sounds terribly familiar and reassuring. the fact however, is that, the entire system, including the judiciary, is totally corrupt and the system itself is operated by and for the rich and the powerful. this means that any powerful, connected filipino can take away whatever you think you have in an eyeblink, and there's nothing you can do, since it will all be "legal. "
for those who doubt this, i encourage them to read the numerous accounts of the freiport case in which a massive german company was bilked out of hundreds of millions of dollars by the supreme court, thinking it was somehow protected by the legal agreements it had negotiated with the government relative to the construction and operation of naia terminal three. presumably this company had the best legal advice money could buy and it made no difference at all. i had a discussion recently with a very highly placed german diplomat who told me the case had totally soured the bilateral relationship between the two countries, but the philippines seems totally indifferent to the ramifications of its actions. the bottom line? in a country where even the supreme court can be "fixed" no one and nothing is safe.
this is a country in which well connected [CodeWord127] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord127) and murderers routinely escape penalties for their actions. in one recent case, a highly-connected, convicted, child [CodeWord126] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126)/murderer was pardoned after 14 years in prison, by the president of the country. nothing is sacred here except greed.
so, no matter how "different" you think your girl is, and no matter how well protected you think your "situation" is, believe me, she isn't and it isn't. you would be better off putting your money elsewhere, though admittedly in these parlous times it's tough to think of anywhere that's totally safe.
ge
a ge took me awhile to find what you were talking about here but i was intrigued by it. so i posted the link for good measures thanks for the info.
to say it’s a bit disconcerting is an understatement.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9d07e3dc113df933a05757c0a9659c8b63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1
LoveAsianWhores
11-22-08, 11:19
A GE took me awhile to find what you were talking about here but I was intrigued by it. So I posted the link for good measures thanks for the info.
To say it’s a bit disconcerting is an understatement.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D07E3DC113DF933A05757C0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1This case is not as simple as a Western company's assets being stolen by the Philippine Government. From the current Philippine goverment's point of view, the contract was not fair to the Philippines and was consumated by people on the Philippines side that received substantial bribes from the German company. There is some truth to this, and the Wall Street Journal article is based on an interview with an executive with the German company, but no Philippine representative was interviewed. Some of the bribes are well documented, and based on current EU laws that forbid the payment of bribes, the contract would have been disolved by a European court as well.
The terminal is closed, and has never been opened even though it was completed many years ago. If the Philippine government was interested in stealing the investment, they would have opened it a long time ago. Instead, the case is winding through the court system. The Philippine government has lost a tremendous amount of money on this deal as the terminal is sorely needed in the country. This case is very similar to when foreign logging company's signed deals during the Marcos era that were based on bribes, and those contracts resulted in the destruction of a huge amount of Philippine forests, with very little in return being paid to the Philippines. When Marcos was overthrown, those contracts were also cancelled, and many of the logging companies complained.
If we are going to use a case to prove that the current Philippine government and court system is corrupt (and of course, to a great extent it is), we should be looking at a case where a foreign company entered into a fair contract and lost their money. Not only was this contract not fair, but no property has been taken by the Philippine government. The German company is posturing itself as a victim of a corrupt Philippines so as to get more media attention and a better settlement when this drama does come to a close.
I have been living in the Philippines for 16 years and Shadowaxis hit the nail on the head with that report.
Great report brother.
This case is not as simple as a Western company's assets being stolen by the Philippine Government. From the current Philippine goverment's point of view, the contract was not fair to the Philippines and was consumated by people on the Philippines side that received substantial bribes from the German company. There is some truth to this, and the Wall Street Journal article is based on an interview with an executive with the German company, but no Philippine representative was interviewed. Some of the bribes are well documented, and based on current EU laws that forbid the payment of bribes, the contract would have been disolved by a European court as well.
LAW I did see also where the contract violated the famous 60%-40% law and I thought to myself now here is where they fucked up….
LAW I did see also where the contract violated the famous 60%-40% law and I thought to myself now here is where they fucked up….
The real issue is that bribes are often required to do business at any substantial level in the RP. In this case as in many previous cases, the RP itself suffered for the actions of those who accepted bribes from the company bidding or doing the work. That is just the way business is done there; it is not sufficient to have the best bid, palms need to be greased as well in order for that bid to be accepted.
I know someone who is in management at an international construction company. He was telling me why his company won't do business in the RP: the problem is not just with the bribery required to win the bid, it's also that the original budget will blow up because of the bribery required up and down the line to get many things done in a timely manner. Literally everyone may have their hand out all the way down the line. Another major problem is material theft. The local subs will help themselves silly and think there's nothing wrong with that.
A caveat I've heard about buying condos knowing this is the way business is done: one should only buy a condo from the most reputable builders. Last I heard, that was Ayala and another name, I'm not recalling at the moment. If you are looking at buying in a project that will finish in a few years, try to find other buildings by that builder and walk through them. Fabulous post by ShadowAxis.
ShadowAxis
11-23-08, 07:03
Finrod makes an excellent point that I neglected to really expand on. Ayala Properties and Century Properties Group are the top builders. Ayala, the largest, is owned by the Ayala family (the local version of the Kennedys) and Century Properties (owed by Joey Antonio) is probably the second largest. There are a number of new developments owned by the Lucio Tan Group (who owns Philippine Airlines, Allied Bank, and Philippine National Bank). If you buy a condo before the building is completed you can enjoy substantial discounts off the current rate. The risk is something bad happens, and you basically lose your money. The condo certificate of title doesn't "exist" until the building is complete and units have been registered with the city.
Thanks for the kudos on the guide - the positive feedback was unexpected and really appreciated. It means a lot to me! Thanks!
A caveat I've heard about buying condos knowing this is the way business is done: one should only buy a condo from the most reputable builders. Last I heard, that was Ayala and another name, I'm not recalling at the moment. If you are looking at buying in a project that will finish in a few years, try to find other buildings by that builder and walk through them. Fabulous post by ShadowAxis.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/12/03/news/house.starts.talks.on.nograles.s.resolution.html
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
House starts talks on Nograles's resolution
THE House committee on constitutional amendments has officially opened up the Constitution to changes by adopting a "piece meal" approach in proposing less controversial amendments.
The move was made to avoid speculations that Charter change is but a ploy to extend the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beyond 2010.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
The panel chaired by La Union Representative Victor Ortega began deliberations on Speaker Prospero Nograles's House Resolution 737.
It calls for the amendments of Sections 2 and 3, Article 12 of the Constitution "to allow the acquisition by foreign corporations and associations and the transfer or conveyance thereto of alienable public and private lands."
"We're proceeding under the theory that any member of Congress can propose amendments to the Constitution," Ortega said.
The committee's decision to start the discussions on House Resolution 737 came after it received a letter from Nograles asking, "to act with dispatch on my resolution."
"The magnitude of support for the resolution necessitates the committee's action and its adoption on the floor," he said in his letter dated November 15.
The Nograles resolution has so far gathered 163 signatures, just 15 signatures short of the constitutional requirement of a three-fourths House vote to propose the amendment and bring it up to the Senate.
The resolution of Kampi president Luis Villafuerte, on the other hand, is yet to be referred to the committee for deliberations.
Villafuerte's resolution calls for a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) and it has reportedly gathered at least 167 signatures.
No resolution has been filed to extend the President's term, but this does not stop a congressman from proposing such once the proponents muster the required three-fourths vote or 196 of all members of Congress.
Batangas Representative Hermilando Mandanas admitted before the panel that he has already withdrawn his House Resolution 548 and 540, which calls for a unicameral Congress and extends for another year the term of all incumbent elected officials.
For his part, Pangasinan Representative Victor Agbayani, who is a co-author of Nograles's resolution, said there is a need to revisit the Constitution to allow foreigners to own lands and properties since "the local and foreign capitals are not enough to enhance economic gains."
"Removal of these provisions will deliver the needed investments," he said, referring to the constitutional provision that only allows 60 percent foreign ownership.
Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez, spokesman for the minority bloc, meanwhile warned that proposals to call for a joint session of Congress or a Con-ass, would naturally invite speculations since the moment it is convened, "there's no control where it will lead to."
Golez was the one who proposed the panel starts tackling "less controversial" specific amendments or get "nowhere."
"I'm listening to interesting discussions and it appears that we're back to where we started; we do not know how to start," he said.
Golez was referring to the debates on Bohol Representative Adam Relson Jala's stand that the committee was conducting an "unconstitutional" meeting since the Constitution only specifically mentions "Congress" as the only one, which has the exclusive mandate to propose amendments.
"I believe in my humble legal opinion that this proceeding is unconstitutional, according to Supreme Court rulings and some legal reliable sources. We should have only one mode," he told the panel, drawing laughter.
Jala, a rookie lawyer, is author of Resolution 730 calling for the abolition of the Senate in favor of a unicameral Congress.
He questioned the House rules, which provides that all matters relating to changes of the Constitution must follow the ordinary legislative mill, noting that if this is the case, the President also has the power to veto it.
Jala said that since the Constitution simply states the word "Congress" as the one that can propose the amendments, the House and the Senate should immediately be convened jointly to begin tackling the amendments.
Representative Mandas argued that by filing his own resolution and attending the hearing, Jala "seems to be recognizing the jurisdiction of the committee." "Is he withdrawing this particular resolution?" he said. "That's the question that has to be answered."
Jala said he came to ventilate his case since the panel could tackle his resolution even without him. He later acceded to proposals to defer deliberations on his manifestation in favor of the consideration of House Resolution 737. (WV/Sunnex)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20081227-180200/Baby-of-pregnant-jeepney-jumper-dies
Baby of pregnant jeepney jumper dies
By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:14:00 12/27/2008
Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The baby of the pregnant woman who thwarted a robbery by jumping off a moving passenger jeepney died Friday.
This was confirmed by a staff of the Mary Johnston Hospital, where the baby, born one month premature, was confined for a few days.
The boy's mother, Jean Rose Polinar, a vendor and resident of Caloocan City, reportedly fell head first on the pavement after she leapt from the moving vehicle around 2 a.m. last December 22. She died from internal hemorrhage.
Her baby was delivered through an emergency Caesarian section and remained in an incubator before he died Friday.
Meanwhile, Manila policemen are on the hunt for the other suspect, known only by his aliases "Jason" and "Pusakal," who allegedly caused Polinar to jump off the moving passenger jeepney.
Manila Police District homicide section personnel nabbed and charged suspect Cedric Perez, 24, of 1700 Canal Dela Reina, Pritil, Tondo.
The suspects reportedly tried to rob passengers of a jeepney plying the Caloocan City to Divisoria route at the corner of Gatmaitan and Juan Luna Streets in Tondo.
Polinar, who was eight months pregnant, jumped off the moving vehicle to escape them.
The stunt foiled the robbery as the fall stirred a commotion among bystanders who quickly went to the pregnant woman's aid.
Starchild2012
01-04-09, 19:47
After comparing Thailand (pattaya) and Philippines ( Cebu)...I have decided to move to Manila for couple of years as the updated tourist visa procedure by PI govrn. has really eased up things.
I stayed in Cebu for couple of months last year but had to come back as i could not work online and hunt all by myself.
This time i have found an assistant to work and also found a love in FH ( hehehe..more of a initial nest) who has promised to accommodate me when i arrive.
She has found a good apartment for 7k rent with net ready furnished.
But the thing is..she wants to move in with me and as she is doing all the apartment hunting..i cant say no to her now and dump her later when i settle down....i think it would be harsh..but i knowing myself as butterfly would cheat her and dont want strings.
I can stay in a hotel and look for an apartment, but it would be lot of leg work and searching plus getting net connection would further take time.
I want her apartment service plus her one night stand and dot :)..is there any way around this.
Does any Board member know of good apartment or apart. rent agent in manila ..who would make the things easier.
I know why Manila not cebu and in tourirst visa why not Bohol...I think Manila has more options in chicks , easier to dump and disappear unlike cebu where in a month everyone slowly recognizes your face :)
Thanks.
She has found a good apartment for 7k rent with net ready furnished.
I want her apartment service plus her one night stand and dot :)..is there any way around this.
I know why Manila not cebu and in tourirst visa why not Bohol...I think Manila has more options in chicks , easier to dump and disappear unlike cebu where in a month everyone slowly recognizes your face :)
Thanks.BL5, I think you have a great plan, but IMHO I wouldn't have a one night stand with her. She may have too much info on what your plans are and a stalker may rain on your parade. Living and working here I see the pride and temper of Flipinos everyday. They may forgive, but THEY never forget.
Good Luck
Robb
Starchild2012
01-05-09, 18:46
BL5, I think you have a great plan, but IMHO I wouldn't have a one night stand with her. She may have too much info on what your plans are and a stalker may rain on your parade. Living and working here I see the pride and temper of Flipinos everyday. They may forgive, but THEY never forget.
Good Luck
Robb
I totally agree Robb, I have decided to distance myself from her already and i have realised once a monger always a monger. :D I cant settle down now or get married or even have a live in..the booty has to go out in the morning :)
Really, after 12 years of mongering, i had decided to try the other side of living that people rave about..the bliss of marriage..even before i started..in a week i knew its not for me.
my aura scents of short time relation or the girls with their sixth sense knows everything.
I learned the lesson ...We are better off in what we are good at , to hell with the world , in the end we all die...its futile to change oneself to suit others..:D
Really, after 12 years of mongering, i had decided to try the other side of living that people rave about..the bliss of marriage..even before i started..in a week i knew its not for me.
my aura scents of short time relation or the girls with their sixth sense knows everything.I learned the lesson ...We are better off in what we are good at , to hell with the world , in the end we all die...its futile to change oneself to suit others..:DDude. I totaly agree with you. Once a monger always a monger. And adding to your point I would like to refer this article which is special written in Indian context. As an indian hope you would be able to understand the context better. http://tides.ws/2007/09/30/what-happens-when-men-stop-loving/
Being an Indian I am also facing some pressure from family and socitey to get married. But I also kind of realized its not me and to hell with world who just want people like us to join them in so called bliss of marriage.
Pay her a finder fee for locating an apartment. She has done what would be more difficult for you than you realize. Do not let her move in with you. Some time later, days or weeks, sleep with her if you are so inclined. Do not get serious with any girl until you have lived there for a while.
This time i have found an assistant to work and also found a love in FH ( hehehe..more of a initial nest) who has promised to accommodate me when i arrive.
She has found a good apartment for 7k rent with net ready furnished.
But the thing is..she wants to move in with me and as she is doing all the apartment hunting..i cant say no to her now and dump her later when i settle down....i think it would be harsh..but i knowing myself as butterfly would cheat her and dont want strings.
I can stay in a hotel and look for an apartment, but it would be lot of leg work and searching plus getting net connection would further take time.
I want her apartment service plus her one night stand and dot :)..is there any way around this.
Thanks.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090112-182814/Rude-Briton-barred-from-RP
Rude Briton barred from RP
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:27:00 01/12/2009
Filed Under: Immigration
MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed an “arrogant” Briton on its blacklist for bad-mouthing immigration officers at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Angeles City.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said he issued an order barring Barry John Porter from the Philippines after the Briton exhibited disrespectful behavior towards immigration officers when he arrived in the country on Nov. 14 last year.
“Foreign tourists should not malign our immigration officers because their entry and stay in the Philippines are not a right but a mere privilege,” said Libanan.
In his report to the BI chief, DMIA immigration supervisor Rey Alfred Hernandez narrated that Porter had lined up in the special lane for arriving Filipinos and was told by immigration officers he was in the wrong line.
The immigration officers had “politely” asked Porter to move to the lane for arriving foreigners but the Briton refused, insisting he be cleared in the line he was in, according to the report.
Porter then raised his voice and in an arrogant manner asked if the matter was all about money, which drew the attention of the other passengers, the report said.
Invited to the airport immigration office, Porter continued to insist he should be cleared in the lane he was in, boasting that he was a frequent visitor to the Philippines.
Hernandez said Porter only calmed down after he was reminded he was a tourist who could be turned back for his unruly behavior.
Porter’s passport was then stamped and he was allowed to enter the country.
But after receiving his passport, Porter approached the immigration officers and called them “a---holes” before hurriedly exiting the arrival area.
The BI order would bar the Briton from the country if he tries to enter it again.
Starchild2012
01-12-09, 09:37
dude. i totaly agree with you. once a monger always a monger. and adding to your point i would like to refer this article which is special written in indian context. as an indian hope you would be able to understand the context better. http://tides.ws/2007/09/30/what-happens-when-men-stop-loving/
being an indian i am also facing some pressure from family and socitey to get married. but i also kind of realized its not me and to hell with world who just want people like us to join them in so called bliss of marriage.
wow..so finally we are been recognised in india :).
i'm was just tired of the time it takes to get an ordinary girl in india...western folks dont know...how many guys commit suicide in india in the name of love and how many girls gets raped in india for sex as many guys dont have gfs who would offer them sex.
social life in india is still stone age stuff and the women empowerment from the west have not taught indian women how to be more feminine but how to be more dominant & assertive just like in the west.
east asia is soo easy and encourging even with all the descrimination against indians...i feel wanted. you will always find some one who likes you in a month or less.
by the way dude..are you in the philiphines..im coming this month end :)
Starchild2012
01-12-09, 09:53
Pay her a finder fee for locating an apartment. She has done what would be more difficult for you than you realize. Do not let her move in with you. Some time later, days or weeks, sleep with her if you are so inclined. Do not get serious with any girl until you have lived there for a while.
Agree Chea20......but the very reason she agreed to find an apartment was she thought we would live together......i had slowly tried to distance myself from her last week but her enthusiasm on finding an apartment for me also dropped..and i tried to find an apartment for myself..but its really hard unless im there myself.
It would take atleast 15k pesos in hotel rent, countless agents and running around house for couple of weeks to settle down and then finding maid, getting internet connection, knowing the area etc another couple of weeks or more.
If i agree for a live in.....she will pick me from airport, we directly go to the aparment, eat dinner, have fun and then the life gets boring :(
But the Initial phase of move in is too hard to resist and last year i know how much pain it took for me to find a house in Cebu.
I have decided now atleast to play along till i arrive and settle down and then slowly distance myself which is easier said than done...but i see no better way.
i just wish if i were in phillipines like you. i am currently in bangalore and mongering as and when i get luky. and you must be knowing its not easy to get a pusy here even if you are young, good luking and willing to spend for it. i started mongering around a year back, but its still not easy to get a decent enough to gal to fuk even though you are willing to spend it. as rightly put by you that indian women jst learned how to dominate and be asertive than to be more feminine. doesn't matter how much progress indian women are making in the mind they are still repressive and take sex as taboo much to the chagrin of indian men. i too started mongering after having repeated failed relationships and all that hypocrisy happens here on the name of sex. as they say indian women are sex object whenever you talk about sex they object. i was in us recently and had wonderful time there with ababes there even though i was there for 8 weeks. well i am going to pattaya on 22nd jan and would be there for 5 days. hope some day i could take a transfer in manila and enjoy goodies of life more easily.
ps. you can add me as [email address deleted by admin]
happy and safe mongering
kp
editor's note: this report was edited to remove email addresses in the text. please do not post email addresses in the forum. instead, please invite other forum members to contact you directly via the forum's private messaging system. thanks!
wow..so finally we are been recognised in india :).
i'm was just tired of the time it takes to get an ordinary girl in india...western folks dont know...how many guys commit suicide in india in the name of love and how many girls gets raped in india for sex as many guys dont have gfs who would offer them sex.
social life in india is still stone age stuff and the women empowerment from the west have not taught indian women how to be more feminine but how to be more dominant & assertive just like in the west.
east asia is soo easy and encourging even with all the descrimination against indians...i feel wanted. you will always find some one who likes you in a month or less.
by the way dude..are you in the philiphines..im coming this month end :)
Professional
01-14-09, 04:44
Agree Chea20......but the very reason she agreed to find an apartment was she thought we would live together......i had slowly tried to distance myself from her last week but her enthusiasm on finding an apartment for me also dropped..and i tried to find an apartment for myself..but its really hard unless im there myself.
It would take atleast 15k pesos in hotel rent, countless agents and running around house for couple of weeks to settle down and then finding maid, getting internet connection, knowing the area etc another couple of weeks or more.
If i agree for a live in.....she will pick me from airport, we directly go to the aparment, eat dinner, have fun and then the life gets boring :(
But the Initial phase of move in is too hard to resist and last year i know how much pain it took for me to find a house in Cebu.
I have decided now atleast to play along till i arrive and settle down and then slowly distance myself which is easier said than done...but i see no better way.Sorry but I think stringing her along is pretty mean too. I would bite the bullet and look for a place myself it may be a pain but in my opinion it is better hurting someone. Be honest with her maybe she might help you anyway. Sorry but that is just my opinion.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090114-183389/4-Koreans-to-be-kicked-out-of-RP
Hmmmmm, so if they had no passport when they were arrested, and no immigration papers, how did they enter the country?
Maybe the Police should do a sweep of Korea town in Balibago?
BTW, was on a motorcycle on the old Clark AFB with babyko and stopped to see the new "Korea Country Club" being built. I remember the sign at the bottom saying "For Koreans by Koreans". (Hehehe actually I just made that part up)
How the fuck are these guys owning land in the PI? How does this happen? And it is on Clark? WTF? I like the PI because it is the PI, not Korea. I can't even build a house over there and these guys are building country clubs in ex american bases!
I am shaking my head right now.
Sorry but I think stringing her along is pretty mean too. I would bite the bullet and look for a place myself it may be a pain but in my opinion it is better hurting someone. Be honest with her maybe she might help you anyway. Sorry but that is just my opinion.
The above opinion is sound. But in many cases money can solve a problem and ease a disappointment. Depends on the girl's situation. One month's rent plus expenses would not be too much as an agency fee.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090114-183389/4-Koreans-to-be-kicked-out-of-RP
Hmmmmm, so if they had no passport when they were arrested, and no immigration papers, how did they enter the country?
Maybe the Police should do a sweep of Korea town in Balibago?
BTW, was on a motorcycle on the old Clark AFB with babyko and stopped to see the new "Korea Country Club" being built. I remember the sign at the bottom saying "For Koreans by Koreans". (Hehehe actually I just made that part up)
How the fuck are these guys owning land in the PI? How does this happen? And it is on Clark? WTF? I like the PI because it is the PI, not Korea. I can't even build a house over there and these guys are building country clubs in ex american bases!
I am shaking my head right now.
They are starting companies... maybe bogus companies... but starting your own company is the best way to get around the land ownership bullshit.
Google land ownership in PI.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20090115-183401/Cops-bring-antidrug-drive-to-Metro-bars
Cops bring antidrug drive to Metro bars
By Marlon Ramos, Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 01/15/2009
Filed Under: Illegal drugs, Police, Crime, Local authorities
MANILA, Philippines – In line with efforts to address the problem of illegal drugs, Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa Wednesday said he has ordered his men to conduct random drug tests on clients of bars and similar establishments in Metro Manila.
“As part of the antidrug campaign, we want to deploy [antidrug] agents to business establishments, especially high-end bars, and invite those who [seem to be] under the influence of illegal drugs to be immediately subjected to a drug test,” he told reporters.
Verzosa was in Quezon City to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new police and fire station that will be built on E. Rodriguez Avenue, Barangay Bagumbayan in Quezon City.
The PNP chief, however, admitted that his directive might pose a problem to his men who could end up being accused of violating the rights of customers of the targeted establishments.
“What we can do is get the approval of the person concerned to undergo a drug test so we would not be accused of infringement of human rights,” Verzosa said.
He added that the plan would also require the full cooperation of the owners of business establishments in Metro Manila.
“Owners should allow policemen inside their premises and besides, if their clients have nothing to hide, they would not refuse to [undergo] a drug test,” Verzosa said.
Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, chair of the city’s antidrug council who was also at the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed his support for the PNP chief’s plan to conduct random drug tests in various entertainment establishments in the city.
“Drug testing is provided for in the Dangerous Drugs Act as long as the person concerned will agree [to the procedure],” Bautista said.
Verzosa made the announcement as the top police official in Metro Manila said several bars and clubs frequented by young people have become drug “hot spots.”
Citing information from the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group, National Capital Region Police Office Director Leopoldo Bataoil said several entertainment establishments in Makati, Taguig and Quezon City have been identified as places where there was rampant selling of illegal drugs.
This has been confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, according to Bataoil.
“Drug pushers have made these bars their hangouts and venues for peddling illegal substances such as cocaine, marijuana, shabu and ecstasy,” he told the Inquirer.
“Students and other teenagers are their primary victims,” Bataoil said.
However, he declined to name the establishments, saying they were closely coordinating with PDEA agents in “conducting dialogues” with club owners and operators.
Asked if the Embassy Bar in Taguig was included in their watchlist, he said, “Yes. I think the PDEA also confirmed it.”
The management of the bar, however, earlier denied that illegal drugs were being used or sold within the establishment.
The intensified campaign of the police against illegal drugs was prompted by the controversy surrounding the “Alabang Boys,” three men who were arrested in drug busts in Alabang and Cubao, Quezon City. According to PDEA, the three supplied drugs and other illegal substances to customers of popular nightspots in Metro Manila.
Bataoil, meanwhile, said that only 300 of 1,671 barangays in the metropolis have yet to be cleared of drugs.
According to him, records of the NCRPO’s Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group showed that 1,371 barangays were now drug-free.
To clear the remaining villages of the drug menace, he urged police officials to “reach out to the community and educate the people on the ill-effects of drugs by conducting lectures in schools and barangay sectors,” he said in a statement.
Bataoil also asked local executives to support their campaign “to totally eliminate the demand for illegal dugs.”
An individual buying a house is different than a foregin company making a substantial investment - sorry to state the obvious.
These Korean companies may be taking a real beating since their currency has declined over 30%. And since it is the Philippines, I imagine their investment may not get the return they expected. I think it was GE that said the only way to make a little money in the Philippines is to invest a lot of money.
X
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090114-183389/4-Koreans-to-be-kicked-out-of-RP
Hmmmmm, so if they had no passport when they were arrested, and no immigration papers, how did they enter the country?
Maybe the Police should do a sweep of Korea town in Balibago?
BTW, was on a motorcycle on the old Clark AFB with babyko and stopped to see the new "Korea Country Club" being built. I remember the sign at the bottom saying "For Koreans by Koreans". (Hehehe actually I just made that part up)
How the fuck are these guys owning land in the PI? How does this happen? And it is on Clark? WTF? I like the PI because it is the PI, not Korea. I can't even build a house over there and these guys are building country clubs in ex american bases!
I am shaking my head right now.
It would take atleast 15k pesos in hotel rent, countless agents and running around house for couple of weeks to settle down and then finding maid, getting internet connection, knowing the area etc another couple of weeks or more.
BL5, if you think 15K pesos is a lot of money in Manila...are you sure you want to live there? I find everything in Manila cost three times as much as anywhere in the PI.
When did you live in Cebu?
Good Luck
Robb
Hi guys,
Does anyone know of a place in Angeles or Pampanga area to buy western style gas bbq? I've tried the internet ads, but know reply and the Ace Hardware guy seemed lost.
Cheers
Agree Chea20......but the very reason she agreed to find an apartment was she thought we would live together......i had slowly tried to distance myself from her last week but her enthusiasm on finding an apartment for me also dropped..and i tried to find an apartment for myself..but its really hard unless im there myself.
It would take atleast 15k pesos in hotel rent, countless agents and running around house for couple of weeks to settle down and then finding maid, getting internet connection, knowing the area etc another couple of weeks or more.
If i agree for a live in.....she will pick me from airport, we directly go to the aparment, eat dinner, have fun and then the life gets boring :(
But the Initial phase of move in is too hard to resist and last year i know how much pain it took for me to find a house in Cebu.
I have decided now atleast to play along till i arrive and settle down and then slowly distance myself which is easier said than done...but i see no better way.
BL you seem to be sold on PI. Won't you just buy a cheap condo bro. 15KPHP monthly adds up trust me.
Darth Sushi
01-16-09, 08:16
Hi guys,
Does anyone know of a place in Angeles or Pampanga area to buy western style gas bbq? I've tried the internet ads, but know reply and the Ace Hardware guy seemed lost.
Cheers
I bought mine at PureGold on Clark but available stock can be a problem. Once in a while you'll see 3 or 4 models available...then you won't see any for months.
SM San Fernando has a big Ace hardware while the Robinson's across the street has a big HandyMan hardware store. They may have more stuff to display.
Keep in mind that most Ace employees don't actually work for Ace. They work for a distributor who handles a few brand names. One guy will be an expert on brand-X fans and brand-Z locks. He's paid based on making his brand quota for the month. Most don't give a rat's ass if you're not interested in buying what brand they're pimping. The only real Ace employees are the managers and the cashiers.
Hi guys,
Does anyone know of a place in Angeles or Pampanga area to buy western style gas bbq? I've tried the internet ads, but know reply and the Ace Hardware guy seemed lost.
Cheers
Many times expats leaving will post on Craig's list or on Asia Expat. Check there on the Manila thread from time to time if you don't mind buying a used model.
ES
Cunning Stunt
01-16-09, 16:42
Many times expats leaving will post on Craig's list or on Asia Expat. Check there on the Manila thread from time to time if you don't mind buying a used model.
ES
Philippines online 'buy and sell' might be worth checking out as well.
Why not buy in Manila, where you have bigger, better stocked, more competitively priced hardware stores with a much better selection and ship it by road to Angeles. Most stores have their own delivery people who will bring to you at fairly competitive prices. If they don't reach as far as AC, rent a jeepney for the trip (maybe P1500-2000 for the day plus fuel and tolls). MIght be worth considering if you are spending $$$ on a top end grill.
Starchild2012
01-16-09, 18:26
Sorry but I think stringing her along is pretty mean too. I would bite the bullet and look for a place myself it may be a pain but in my opinion it is better hurting someone. Be honest with her maybe she might help you anyway. Sorry but that is just my opinion.
I agree...easier said than done.....i wont feel good about myself in the long run...for the good of all..it seems she is also not that
into me now that she caught me ten times in Filipina Heart chatting with other girls even though when i told her im all hers :)..just cant get rid of the old habits.
BL you seem to be sold on PI. Won't you just buy a cheap condo bro. 15KPHP monthly adds up trust me.
Yes...Im planning to buy on the outskirts of Manila for much cheaper rate, With the girl searching for me almost over, i have to hunt it myself, no pain no gain :)
BL5, if you think 15K pesos is a lot of money in Manila...are you sure you want to live there? I find everything in Manila cost three times as much as anywhere in the PI.
When did you live in Cebu?
Good Luck
Robb
Rob..I went to Cebu last year.....i plan to stay on the outskirts of manila for cheap rate and then i love jollyBee and cheap chinese food plus laptop is enough to spend dry spells :)..as hopefully this will be a longer trip than two month aborted trip last year due to work issues...
This time i have promised to think with my mind than my penis more :) ...very less bar trip and hunt more FH and chat girls...i can reduce my budget to 50%....I just need patience :)
Redfield10
01-20-09, 08:27
I know, I know. It's probably mentioned in here, but I want a fresh perspective.
How much would it cost to live in the Phils. Let's pick Manila or Cebu. Somewhere where there's some girls.
Let's say a two bedroom apartment. (decent). Living a decent live. Opportunity to travel some. One or two trips to the USA a year. And say. Half a dozen or so trips within the Phils a year.
Would, say, $2, 000 USD a month do it ok?
Just curious re: lifestyles you all have while living there or can share about others who live there.
This is more curiosity. Although, someday maybe. Actually, I can retire right now on a take home of probably $2300 a month. That's after USA Fed and State taxes. (assuming I might have to pay CA state taxes the first year or so).
Thanks
FreebieFan
01-21-09, 01:17
I know, I know. It's probably mentioned in here, but I want a fresh perspective.
Let's say a two bedroom apartment. (decent). Living a decent live. Opportunity to travel some. One or two trips to the USA a year. And say. Half a dozen or so trips within the Phils a year.
Would, say, $2, 000 USD a month do it ok?
Just curious re: lifestyles you all have while living there or can share about others who live there.
This is more curiosity. Although, someday maybe. Actually, I can retire right now on a take home of probably $2300 a month. That's after USA Fed and State taxes. (assuming I might have to pay CA state taxes the first year or so).
ThanksSomewhere in one of the threads in the Phils boards is a long series of messages about the cost of living in Phils. What was apparant is that some of us can live on almost nothing, an existence rather than living, others prefer a level of comfort etc.
Thats why its hard to say what the right figure is
How much to spend on the condo
How much to spend on food and travelling around
How much to spend on pussy.
From personal experience I know I can get thru US$500 in a long weekend, with frequent trips to a motel, gas, gifts for the girls, (and they are all FREEEEE! ) lots of booze and damn little food. I know some will throw their hands up in horror at this. But we all have a different take on money and its relevant values. Anyways. Somewhere theres a long thread about costs of living in Phils. Enjoy the retirement.
Darth Sushi
01-21-09, 04:09
Would, say, $2, 000 USD a month do it ok?
I know a few guys living off half that much. If you've never been here before, take a scouting trip first. Manila is cool but I can't stand the traffic. Angeles and Manila has plenty of girls but some mongers prefer the slower pace in Subic. Don't rush it...get acclimated first. As a foreigner, you're going to be a cat in a fish market so take your time and find a location that fits your style.
Good luck!
I know, I know. It's probably mentioned in here….
Yep.
How much would it cost to live in the Phils. Let's pick Manila or Cebu. Somewhere where there's some girls.
Depends on how you want to live. $500 being a minimum but this is not for Warbucks. That’s living extremely native.
Let's say a two bedroom apartment. (decent). Living a decent live. Opportunity to travel some. One or two trips to the USA a year. And say. Half a dozen or so trips within the Phils a year.
Would, say, $2, 000 USD a month do it ok?
Yep.
Just curious re: lifestyles you all have while living there or can share about others who live there.
My life is rather simple. I spend my days hanging out with the LTR, watching TV, gym, shopping etc. Nights I spend at the Green Belt or exploring various red light venues.
This is more curiosity. Although, someday maybe. Actually, I can retire right now on a take home of probably $2300 a month. That's after USA Fed and State taxes. (assuming I might have to pay CA state taxes the first year or so). Thanks
You are very lucky and living on that income in the Philippines you will feel like the luckiest man alive. Good luck.
Been discussed many times over the years but here is a personal update to give you a ball park figure. I live in South Manila… Alabang/Las Pinas area. I have 3 Bedroom two story house that I am buying. It’s not large but more than adequate for me and my LTR. It’s located inside a little enclave with stationary and roving security. I will be moving to a condo at the Fort in ’10.
Here are my monthly expenses in USD dollars. Keep in mind the US Dollar price can change with the fluctuation of the Peso to the dollar but this was calculated at a rate of 46 Pesos to a Dollar.
Rent/Mortgage:
You will probably rent your first couple of months here which is a good idea. You can rent a nice size condo or house for about $500 dollars a month in Manila, Cebu is cheaper for everything. I am paying much more then that monthly because I have two mortgages but only until next year.
Food: $200
Bottled Water: $11
It is delivered to my door step upon request about five gallons.
Electricity: $65.
I have basic stuff in the crib electric stove, microwave, one air-con which we don’t run much only at night because I like to sleep cold. Meralco Manila’s monopolized electric company is a rip off artist. I read some shit where it said the Philippines has the highest power cost in all Asia second only to Japan go figure.
Cable TV/Internet/Land Line phone/mobile: $80 total.
Gym indenture: $50
Monthly Mongering: (depending on where and the frequency)????
Total:
With a $500 monthly rental fee added and minus mongering expenses hotels, barfines, food ect... $906
From personal experience I know I can get thru US$500 in a long weekend, with frequent trips to a motel, gas, gifts for the girls, (and they are all FREEEEE! )
The only guys getting free sex in the Philippines are Filipinos.
FreebieFan
01-21-09, 04:40
Yep.
Been discussed many times over the years but here is a personal update to give you a ball park figure. I live in South Manila. Alabang/Las Pinas area. I have 3 Bedroom two story house that I am buying. It’s not large but more than adequate for me and my LTR. It’s located inside a little enclave with stationary and roving security. I will be moving to a condo at the Fort in ’10.
You will probably rent your first couple of months here which is a good idea. You can rent a nice size condo or house for about $500 dollars a month in Manila, Cebu is cheaper for everything. I am paying much more then that monthly because I have two mortgages but only until next year.
It is delivered to my door step upon request about five gallons.
Electricity: $65.
Total:
With a $500 monthly rental fee added and minus mongering expenses hotels, barfines, food ect. $906
There is no such thing as a free anything in PI. You buy gifts, you pay for food then you are spending on her and her pussy nough said.Daddy. We will welcome you to The Fort next year. I've had my place there for past 4 years. Its perfect for my activities. Let me know when your moving in.
Redfield10
01-21-09, 07:28
Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. Just trying to gather info now. But I really appreciate it. I guess if I discover I "realliy" like it, and it really beats workinlg in the US for a number of years more, then I'll consider it even more seriously!
Red
DW, thanks for your input to living costs. Good post, that. This has been discussed endlessly on the various Yahoo Philippines-related groups, but in short, it really depends on the lifestyle you want and can afford. For instance, I sort of know my way around Pasay City so I could live there on $500/month, but while just slightly better than the natives, that would not be Finrod-style living.
About the free sex, all I have to say is no money, no honey. She might not take your cash, but she is enjoying the meals, the shopping, the nights in nice beds in nice hotels with hot showers, the nightclubs, etc., all of which you are paying for. So what's my point? None really, other than to see it for what it is and enjoy yourself.
Hi to all,
have to catch up with reading some of the posts here, but first of all I have to report what I saw last night on Phils TV.Indeed, it made me laugh a lot.
Good hard working OFW allways sent money home to his faithfull wife , so they could afford to have their own home.
Once he got back to the Philippines he found out that his "lovely wife" lives with her cop boyfriend in his home..surprise...surprise.
Guy went to NBI and they arrested the cop guy for adultery and put him in the jail :D...
They show the arrest live on TV and man that made me really laugh seeing a pinoy cop handcuffed and brought to jail. Guess his wife will face the same.
Happy day to all and be carefull leaving your "sweet wifes" at home when your out of the country for a longer time .
Blink out for lunch
FreebieFan
01-29-09, 04:27
Hi to all,
have to catch up with reading some of the posts here, but first of all I have to report what I saw last night on Phils TV.Indeed, it made me laugh a lot.
Good hard working OFW allways sent money home to his faithfull wife , so they could afford to have their own home.
Once he got back to the Philippines he found out that his "lovely wife" lives with her cop boyfriend in his home..surprise...surprise.
Guy went to NBI and they arrested the cop guy for adultery and put him in the jail :D...
They show the arrest live on TV and man that made me really laugh seeing a pinoy cop handcuffed and brought to jail. Guess his wife will face the same.
Happy day to all and be carefull leaving your "sweet wifes" at home when your out of the country for a longer time .
Blink out for lunchI read about this too. Don't you think with email and cell phones that the guy and his wife might have advised each other about his impending trip home. Or maybe the cop was dumb. That would be a first.
ShadowAxis
01-29-09, 17:59
here is what i spend in a month...
electricity & water p19000 (as low as 9k, as high as 26k)
i run the aircon a lot, have at least 4 pc's always running, take hot showers...
skycable p3526 (platinum w/high speed cable modem)
pldt p4000 (land line and highest speed dsl)
dual internet connections for speed and backup.
grocery p15000 (gf, baby, myself and guests)
help p16000 (housekeeper, babysitter)
cash to province p5000 (help out gf family)
pocket cash p20000 (approx 5k a week, covers starbucks, pussy, cabs, and most wandering around food)
so the basics cost me $2k us a month - a little more if you factor in real estate taxes and condo dues - which i pay yearly. i own the place, so i don't pay rent. i can walk to greenbelt, and cab or jeepney to other places.
Redfield10
01-30-09, 03:05
thanks. well, my take home from a pension right now would be more than 2k a month. hmm.
well, i'll be there in three weeks to check it out. and hopefully many more times before i actually "decide". plus, i guess i can always earn something when i"m there.
skycable p3526 (platinum w/high speed cable modem)
pldt p4000 (land line and highest speed dsl)
dual internet connections for speed and backup.
grocery p15000 (gf, baby, myself and guests)
help p16000 (housekeeper, babysitter)
cash to province p5000 (help out gf family)
pocket cash p20000 (approx 5k a week, covers starbucks, pussy, cabs, and most wandering around food)
so the basics cost me $2k us a month - a little more if you factor in real estate taxes and condo dues - which i pay yearly. i own the place, so i don't pay rent. i can walk to greenbelt, and cab or jeepney to other places.[/quote]
GoodEnough
01-30-09, 10:46
thanks. well, my take home from a pension right now would be more than 2k a month. hmm.
well, i'll be there in three weeks to check it out. and hopefully many more times before i actually "decide". plus, i guess i can always earn something when i"m there.
skycable p3526 (platinum w/high speed cable modem)
pldt p4000 (land line and highest speed dsl)
dual internet connections for speed and backup.
grocery p15000 (gf, baby, myself and guests)
help p16000 (housekeeper, babysitter)
cash to province p5000 (help out gf family)
pocket cash p20000 (approx 5k a week, covers starbucks, pussy, cabs, and most wandering around food)
so the basics cost me $2k us a month - a little more if you factor in real estate taxes and condo dues - which i pay yearly. i own the place, so i don't pay rent. i can walk to greenbelt, and cab or jeepney to other places.[/quote]
refield, you're way too high on the cost of house helpers. i have two, and between the two of them pay php5,000 a month, plus of course their food. they also live in their own quarters. i'd say you're a little low--maybe php5,000--on food if you want to buy western beef and drink decent wine or if you want some european cheeses. not sure why you need dual internet connections. i've got globe dsl hooked to a wireless router and it's reasonably quick and reliable.
ge
Redfield10
01-30-09, 16:50
Ge, those weren't my quotes. I think the "quote" from another poster got cut off. All I was doing was asking the cost of living in the Phils since I'm not retirement age and can collect a defined monthly pension at any time should I chose to do so.
Thanks
ShadowAxis
01-30-09, 20:35
Yes, I do overpay the help. They do not live with me (personal preference), nor do I provide any benefits. They invoice for their services monthly as I do not wish to have an employer / employee relationship with them.
I used to spend quite a bit more on food. Shopping at Santis Deli and other expensive places. I gave up on the wines because even when you can get a decent vintage; the locals are likely to have stored it improperly. I keep a box of Franzia California Red on hand and choke down the first glass. I don't eat the cheese fast enough. Though any grocery store swiss keeps me covered. There is an excellent deli called Emils at the corner of Gil Puyat and Ayala. There I splurge on roast beef for sandwiches. The french bread from Shopwise or Delifrance is good enough for me.
Dual internet connections. Mostly because I work from home. Many times PLDT is down yet Skycable is up (and vice versa). Both connections go into a Netgear load balancing router. (actually, all my networking/phone gear is on a separate 12VDC battery backed circuit. No wall warts and everything will run off the deep-cycle batteries for about 10 days.) When I hit Lines 2 and 3 on my desk phone I want to hear that friendly USA dial tone. During the last major typhoon that tore the place up. We lost power for almost a week but for some odd reason PLDT was connected (in and out) as was Skycable.
Refield, you're way too high on the cost of house helpers. I have two, and between the two of them pay Php5,000 a month, plus of course their food. They also live in their own quarters. I'd say you're a little low--maybe Php5,000--on food if you want to buy western beef and drink decent wine or if you want some European cheeses. Not sure why you need dual internet connections. I've got Globe DSL hooked to a wireless router and it's reasonably quick and reliable.GE[/QUOTE]
Hairy Wonder
01-30-09, 23:03
it looks to me like redfield somehow dropped the quote settings for shadowaxis' post.
i don't live in the pi. but the amount sa has listed seem high for that area. what city are you in sa?
i have a gf living in valenzuela (manila suburb) that has told me that her monthly bills care less than p20,000 per month. granted, she is very trifty (kuripot at the filipinos say), and maybe doesn't live as high a standard as you do. but i think she would have a severe heart attack if the bills she paid were as high as yours.
hw
here is what i spend in a month...
electricity & water p19000 (as low as 9k, as high as 26k)
i run the aircon a lot, have at least 4 pc's always running, take hot showers...
skycable p3526 (platinum w/high speed cable modem)
pldt p4000 (land line and highest speed dsl)
dual internet connections for speed and backup.
grocery p15000 (gf, baby, myself and guests)
help p16000 (housekeeper, babysitter)
cash to province p5000 (help out gf family)
pocket cash p20000 (approx 5k a week, covers starbucks, pussy, cabs, and most wandering around food)
so the basics cost me $2k us a month - a little more if you factor in real estate taxes and condo dues - which i pay yearly. i own the place, so i don't pay rent. i can walk to greenbelt, and cab or jeepney to other places.
GoodEnough
01-31-09, 00:58
Thanks SA for the clarification. Aside from the helpers, I don't think your costs are out of line. I tend to spend way more than average on food as well since I buy US meats, European cheeses and French or Italian red wines. I guess I'm lucky in the case of the latter, since the Swiss Deli here has a large wine cellar and the wines are stored in the right position at the correct temperature, so I've never had one that was off. Then too, I have a Great Dane who eats an enormous quantity of food, and that really adds to the amount I spend.
My single net connection is fairly reliable, but it does shut off from time to time. For those occasions, I have a PLDT We Roam, which works, but is very slow. I also use it when I travel to areas where I cannot get in-room connections.
GE
ShadowAxis
01-31-09, 08:59
Yes, compared to even the areas outside Manila it's expensive. Personally, I think food here in the PI is more expensive (for the home) then San Francisco (unless you want to live on a diet of local vegetables, vinegar and pork lard) On the other hand, eating out can be significantly less expensive. I am in Makati, next to Makati Med and walking distance from Greenbelt so the pricing is approx 2x the outskirts of Manila, 3x the smaller cities and 4x the remote provinces.
It looks to me like Redfield somehow dropped the quote settings for ShadowAxis' post.
I don't live in the PI. But the amount SA has listed seem high for that area. What city are you in SA?
I have a gf living in Valenzuela (Manila suburb) that has told me that her monthly bills care less than P20,000 per month. Granted, she is very trifty (kuripot at the Filipinos say), and maybe doesn't live as high a standard as you do. But I think she would have a severe heart attack if the bills she paid were as high as yours.
HW
Cunning Stunt
02-01-09, 04:10
skycable p3526 (platinum w/high speed cable modem)
pldt p4000 (land line and highest speed dsl)
your skycable internet is quite expensive, shadow. what sort of download speeds can you achieve? would you say that it is worth the money? i am thinking of moving over to sky.
i have been through most of the providers and find them much of a muchness. slow speeds and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) poor customer support is the norm. only good thing is that they mostly offer unlimited downloads 24/7 with no fair usage crap as i get in uk. this is important to me as i d/l most of my tv viewing (uk tv) as bittorrents and so need the unlimited downloads.
i found globe to be the worst service provider closely followed by pldt. i am currently with my destiny cable, who were refreshingly efficient when i first started with them, with quite good speeds. however as they have become more popular, i have noticed a considerable drop in speed, more frequent interruptions in service and slow customer support. the usual shit. time for a change, methinks but who to when their seems so little choice and competition (the problem?) amongst the providers?
ShadowAxis
02-01-09, 10:19
the bandwidth is crap - sure, you can ping and xfer data quickly with the other 5 useful servers on a decent connection here in the philippines but i would say the faster speeds are not worth it. if you look at the details...
http://www.telegeography.com/products/map_cable/images/cable_map_big.gif
broadband subscribers 55,000
country code .ph
hosts 283,579
international internet bandwidth > mbps 3,214.5 mbps
internet service providers 33
isp 33
the philippines comes in at number 50 in terms of access to international bandwidth. the us is #1 (at least we are good at something) with 970,953.5 mbps. even vietnam gets better bandwidth. so basically, investing in anything over 5 mb is a waste. most of the good fiber in the region is routed around the philippines because pldt (eg. old marcos cronies) are flat out impossible to deal with.
for casual surfing i think the 3 mb plan at p1999 a month is pretty decent. skycable, btw, doesn't throttle downloads with bittorrent (unlike pldt).
your skycable internet is quite expensive, shadow. what sort of download speeds can you achieve? would you say that it is worth the money? i am thinking of moving over to sky.
i have been through most of the providers and find them much of a muchness. slow speeds and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) poor customer support is the norm. only good thing is that they mostly offer unlimited downloads 24/7 with no fair usage crap as i get in uk. this is important to me as i d/l most of my tv viewing (uk tv) as bittorrents and so need the unlimited downloads.
i found globe to be the worst service provider closely followed by pldt. i am currently with my destiny cable, who were refreshingly efficient when i first started with them, with quite good speeds. however as they have become more popular, i have noticed a considerable drop in speed, more frequent interruptions in service and slow customer support. the usual shit. time for a change, methinks but who to when their seems so little choice and competition (the problem?) amongst the providers?
Starchild2012
02-01-09, 17:32
I'm moving to Manila on Feb 15, Got some condo/Apartment leads from craigslist...but still not the budget range im looking for 7500 to 10000 PHP.
Does anyone know any contacts/agents who could show me condos and apartments in and around Manila.
Much easier that way, cos i can then concentrate on other important things ;)
I'm moving to Manila on Feb 15, Got some condo/Apartment leads from craigslist...but still not the budget range im looking for 7500 to 10000 PHP.
Does anyone know any contacts/agents who could show me condos and apartments in and around Manila.
Much easier that way, cos i can then concentrate on other important things ;)
condo.com.ph
Starchild2012
02-02-09, 04:32
condo.com.ph
Thanks DW.....there seems to be some good offers...need to check it out
On a similar note....While searching for a house in Manila through craigslist..I was nearly conned by a Nigerian advance fee scam for condo yesterday...Initially i did not notice it coming as i thought condo scam in Manila from a Nigerian ??? Hmmmm..
This is a WARNING to everyone DO NOT DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL SEND YOU SIMILAR MAILS.
This is what happened.
I posted an ad in craigslits manila ..housing wanted category on Jan 30
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I got many replies, one was especially very good offer.
There is a large one bedroom for rent in Manila. It will cost 11,000PHP per month and it is properly situated.
The accommodation comprises of storage space, eat-in newly fitted kitchen with all machines including cooker, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer; a fully tiled
contemporary bathroom and a separate WC.
The room is furnished with bed, dresser, desk, chair, and nightstand. It has WI-FI Internet service, telephone service and such a beautiful place to stay. The apartment will be available for rent for a long period of time.
Darwin
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I had replied to all the offer..so i shot back
Hi Darwin
Thank you for contacting me. Please give me ur mobile number i will contact you as soon as i arrive in manila by feb 16
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is what the reply was and the subsequent call that nearly conned me
Hi,
thanks for the message.. I attached all the pics i have of the apartment to show that it is fully furnished. I will be renting this 48sqm apartment out for 11,000PHP per month, all bills inclusive. The apartment is located on Zapote cor. Ponte St, Brgy Sta. Cruz, Makati City
Centrally Located. Just 1 Jeepney Ride to: Ayala Ave (Legaspi & Salcedo Villages) - Central Business District, Buendia (Sen Gil Puyat Ave) – Makati Central Business District, Ayala Center - Glorietta & Greenbelt Malls, Makati Avenue (Century City, A. Venue, P.. Burgos) & Mandaluyong-Makati Bridge, Makati City Hall, Makati Cinema Square, Rockwell Center & Power Plant Mall, Guadalupe Commercial Center, EDSA-MRT (Pasong Tamo & Guadalupe Stations). Excellent Location. Just Move in with your luggage! There is also private parking.
I am renting this apartment out because i am presently out of Phillipines, but you can reach me on 002348067470507. We can further discuss details on phone. I am a volunteer for Anti-HIV campaign programs. I really hope that you will take good care of the apartment. The utilities in the house are maintained from the rent. It is a private apartment, all for you...it has a TV and internet.
The apartment was furnished to my taste and that is why i want you to take good care of it as if it were yours. You can be rest assured that the apartment will be available for your desired duration of stay if you make a deposit payment now because i am not in town and will not be there anytime soon. I did not entrust the apartment in the care of any agent or anyone. The keys of the apartment are here with me.
I will send you the keys and documents of the house once you make an initial deposit.
Get back to me ASAP. If you are interested in renting the house, i will send you the application form so that i can have and verify your information before renting out the apartment to you.
<<<<<<<<>>>>
If you look at the picture....with that price and location it is unbelievable....the offer was very good...i did not notice the calling code first 234 but when i called from skype it was in Nigeria.
After a brief chat..He said...i will send you the key to the condo to my place...so that i can check the house for myself when i go to manila and then said.....just pay deposit..he sounded very genuine and calm. deposit was three month rent.
I was too obliged to him at that time for been so Good and working for Anti HIV campaign etc.
But as im new...i dont know Manila..so i told if he has any relatives or friends who could show me the place....
He said...None...No one ..Bummer...It is impossible for a Filipino not to have any relative in any where in the world :D hehehe.
I got cautious....i asked...Do you know Tagalog...He said who is Tagalog..hehhee..Bummer again...i said its a language..he said he was born in the UK.fair enough....i shot straight...are you a filipino..he said NO, nada, but he is been living in the Philiphines for 10 years or so..hehehehe....perfect...born in UK..live in the Philippines and con people from Nigeria...hehee :)
I got the red flag and slipped away....but the thing is it was my first direct encounter from 419 scammers and i had never heard of these folks conning people in Manila.
The guy was so cool, composed and genuinely believable..if it wasn't for my knowing some Filipino culture as i lived in Cebu for sometime...i would have been surely conned of 30K PHP....I was lucky and was aware of similar scams on puppy dogs, lottery etc...and my mind related to it instantly..when he said he is Nigerian ..i have never heard of the apartment scam before...so very lucky to not get conned.
>>>>The moment i got rid of him..i got similar mail>>
Hello,
I have a one bed apartment in Manila. I'm a professional photographer and would be traveling to the state for about a year or two... i have always turned offers from US down in the past, but in recent times i have been intrigued by my friends testimonies about America and would love to see for myself what America has to offer.
I need someone who would be take good care of the place while I'm gone. If interested get back to me, i would furnish you with more details.
The rent would be 300$ for a month.
Regards,
Mayers.
>>>>>
hehehe....a Filipino dude turning down offers to go to America...:D
>>>>
I think the scam is in all the cities in craigslist and i can be sure..many guys would have been conned..
This is a WARNING...be careful do not give advance fee to anyone.
Good Luck
Anya Belle
02-02-09, 06:48
P11,000/month in Manila with that kind of furniture? Wow, if that were true, I would love to grab that apartment right away. But if it were true, it would have been unavailable a long time ago already, hehe.
P15,000/month with no furniture at least in Metro Manila, and not even situated that well. Furnished and situated well, right around 30,000 and up.
P11,000/month in Manila with that kind of furniture? Wow, if that were true, I would love to grab that apartment right away. But if it were true, it would have been unavailable a long time ago already, hehe.
P15,000/month with no furniture at least in Metro Manila, and not even situated that well. Furnished and situated well, right around 30,000 and up.
It is definitely possible to find apartments for 10,000/month and less in many Metro Manila areas, but ... you will be living like the locals, not to mention right next to the locals. Hot showers are generally not available in such places unless you install your own hot water unit; aircon is going to be bring your own wall unit if there is a hole for it. I mention this since that is Born Loser's budget. BL, if you are OK with that, then sure, go for it but don't get the illusion you're going to get a lot for so little in the MM area.
That description from the Nigerian was way too good for the price: that would have thrown me off right there.
Basically, Rockwell and the Fort are on my no-go list for two reasons. 1st, it's among the wealthiest places in the country and any pussy there is likely to be expensive in more ways then you can possible imagine. 2nd, the folks who see you with some local movie star may get jealous and that is a clear violation of the keep a low profile rule. Remember, the senators coked out son who caps you with a. 45 out in front of Embassy will be on an all expense paid trip to Europe the next day. And return to the Philippines with all his sins forgiven in about 3 months.
Makati, while wealthy sees a lot of foreigners. Malate, while not so chic also sees a lot of foreigners. In these places you won't stand out too much. (though you are ALWAYS a target) Rockwell and the Fort are playgrounds for wealthy Filipinos. Who are a childish, pampered, and protected lot. I consider these people volatile and extremely dangerous.
I was intrigued by your post SA so I went shopping in Rockwell today. All I saw was snooty Filipinos and blond-haired foreigners. Not a good place to go looking for pussy in my opinion or shopping as there was really no high-end boutiques like Emporio Armani, Gucci etc... Shot over from there to the Mall of Asia. Now this place…if hunting for pussy is like hunting with that spray gun from the video game Contra :D
Take It Sleazy.
http://www.merkur-online.de/lokales/nachrichten/promiwirt-michi-beck-80820.html?cmp=defrss
Hello guys,
just heard this from my friend, actually it was quite a big news in some local newspapers over there.
For those who knows Mickeys delicatessen, also might know the guy who has his resto at jupiter street Makati.
Some say he died, some says he is in a coma.Actually he is now at makati med under surveillance. I just met him last week at Wazzup. He was complaining that evrything became so expensive in Makati while everywhere in the world everything got cheaper. Newspapers says he attempt suicide, hung himself on a rope after a party.
Went to galeria robinson this noon and saw that everybody was busy getting the sausages and meat out of there. His wife is in germany, she left him with his three kids. So maybe that and other problems caused this tragic event. He is a nice guy, at least he was to me and his guest.
Lets see how this ends.
Blink
Sorry, to support the german speaking crowd here I paste the link in german, however Im sure they have it also in English :D
i remember when i was just starting out years back i used to ask these questions to guys like good enough, x-man etc.. and while they answered to the best of their ability it’s good to hear the response from a guy who is from similar “circumstances.”
these are some pms i received. the sender's will remain nameless as they sent these messages pm for their own reasons. i have been getting flooded lately with the same questions so just putting them on front street. (front street-hip hop slang for bringing something to the forefront.) by the way where the hell are all the old black guys that hang around pi? i know you are out there. i am still in my 20's for obama's sake. (obama is the new pete.) i shouldn’t be answering these questions. :d
daddy warbucks 1,
i'm a regular contributor in the german fkk forum. i was just in pattay for the first time last week and had a great time. i wanted to get your opinion as you mentioned in the thailand forum you are black.
i'm thinking about convincing a friend to come along on my next pattaya visit. he is also black. he does quite well in hong kong, so i don't think he would be completely out of place. he has been denied entry to clubs in germany, and while he didn't let it prevent him from having fun at other clubs, it definitely puts a dampener on things.
during my week in pattaya, i noticed only a couple of black people. my question for you is should i be concerned about recommending he come along on a pattaya run because of racial attitudes with the thais. in other words, roughly how much bs would you expect him to encounter? a certain amount is expected whenever you travel (sadly i believe it is a part of basic human nature).
your thoughts would be appreciated.
cheers,
your buddy will be fine if you are only going there to monger. some girls may not want to go with him (they have that right, this is not an equal opportunity occupation) but for every-girl that doesn't there will be ten that want to. i have been followed home by bargirls in pattaya (paid their own baht bus and barfine.) race will only be a problem if your buddy try’s to chase those square snooty thai chicks but not too many of them are hanging around pattaya anyway.
hey man,
i don't post all that much, do a lot of reading, however i have seen your post both here and the isg site, and as a black man i'm just wondering what your take is on the whole pi scene for brothers. i mean i know that you say filipina's tend to like lighter skin people especially those that can afford to be choosy, but do you think there is a scene where we (brotha's) are favored at all?
by the way i live in japan so if you ever make it back out this way and want to hang out let me know.
some filipinas love "brothas" some don't. some are intelligent or desperate enough to give anyone a chance if you are polite and know how to talk. if you just going to play with the hookers you will not have any problems. just make sure they know you are an american. same rules (see above paragraph by me) apply if you looking for something more long term with a nice, pretty, college-educated girl (filipino men covet) your skin could be a problem.
i have a few chics that im talking to so i dont really need anything new, but are they that racist there? and i assume you have a girl, how do other people treat you? is service different? what area are you from? what experience do you have in cebu? thats where i want to get a condo or house.
damn, what do you do all day without out talking to anyone? you chill with your girl all day? and if so whats there to do with her? how is the movie theaters? if you dont mind can you give me some examples of things to do there other than the ac jumpoff? i got the jist of that world.
when i get there we might have to hook,
thanks man feedback is a great help.
im 30 from cleveland, i see most people that go there are much older, are you the youngest guy there lol. do you meet people from the states alot
some people are nice to me. some are not so nice. some are cool, some are silly (staring, laughing, making comments). same as everywhere. i got called "uling" by a group of girls at boracay last year. translated into english means charcoal. i also have damn near been raped in some bars and waved at and flirted with by girls on the street (normal girls) soooo....
i have been to cebu once. but i have a good white-collar (non-bar girl, non-hooker) college-educated friend in the area. the place is nice. the little time i was there i enjoyed myself.
most of time when i am in the bars i am the youngest guy. most of time when i am out grocery shopping, i am youngest guy there out of the expats i see. it’s moments like that i think about packing up my shit and heading back to the states i feel i am too young to be here. movie theatre...? are fine if you go to places like rockwell.
there is an american and german in my subdivision but i don't speak to them. i keep in touch with my real people (friends and family) back in the "hood" through vonage." i miss the hip hop culture and hip hop things. in japan hip hop is huge lot of american soldiers around so i never missed home much. in pi home sickness sets in big time. sometime you feel like you are on another planet. my ltr handles day to day business so she makes life somewhat easy.
i did not move here to monger. i moved here only because of a visa situation. if i moved somewhere only to monger there are better places with prettier more sexually compliant girls. (thailand.)
not much to do but gym/shop/beach by day monger by night. i am getting tired of the whole mongering (p4p) scene and unless you are abnormal you will too.
jimmy regina the man probably solely responsible for the invasion of the younger mongers to pi even said he is tired of the place (angeles after a few days now). he once said that even the sweetest candy stops tasting sweet if you have too much of it.
tried to hook up with some isg guys but a lot of these guys are only social and “tough” over the internet.
Cunning Stunt
02-25-09, 08:46
Out earlier, I was wondering why so many people had come out today sporting dirty faces.
And then it dawned on me, its Ash Wednesday, and the 'dirt' is forehead ash marks from the early morning church visits.
Durr ... bit slow today or what:D.
Hi Guys
Am not regular write reports here but I like to tell you about a few things from ladies side as we also suffer here a problems in world. A some of you would know and met me also some of my friends, I live in Manila. I read the reports about bar fines and it quiet so I agree. I think same, customers not as many now and many not pay as much as before maybe they budget is I'm not know but means we also not have cash as much for family which is hard for us.
Jobs are not easy here! Many people not work, many people look for work but not much, many go away but now they return here as no jobs where they went to, so remember when your a girl, that she family and try be kind, we not very much either but less than you ok?
I agree bar fines to Makati is too high and the girl is not doing good business. For me I think better you to do as reports here before, get girls number and she visits you after work, at least she gets the money all money not part or you decide pay he small amount as you pay fine already
So think of girl please we need cash for family and it though more than before I think.
Hope you likes this report as my first real one I ashamed of my English but I wanted to say it
Thanks
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.
probably not a month goes by without someone asking how much do you need to live in the philippines
…..well here you go...this is one man's story ..the man who wrote this is a good guy traded ims with him at another forum a couple times....
i thought i would share my story for you guys who are considering moving to the phils. i will break this down into several post in order to make it a bit easier to read. enjoy.
caution: this post may not live up to your expectations! i did not come to this country as prepared as some of you may have or may plan to. as a result, i had to sacrifice alot and learn alot and work really hard but after two years i am in a very comfortable situation now. this path is certainly not for everyone but it can be done!
my name is(......), friends just call me (....), and i have been living in the philippines for almost 2 years now. i have spent the last 10 years traveling around asia, finding jobs and settling down in each country i have visited. i have lived in 5 countries throughout those years and i have finally decided to stay put here in the phils. this is how it happened:
about 2 years ago i was sitting in my shitty apartment in osaka, japan, i was pretty pissed off because i just lost my job and was pretty much sick of japan. i gave japan a good run and enjoyed most of my time there but i was growing restless with the routine and i was time to go.
so, with i opened up my laptop and the journey began as it had begun many times before. within a week i had made my decision to move to the philippines. i was actually torn between thailand and the philippines, but ultimately decided on the philippines. at that time i had about 3 grand in the bank and decided to roll the dice.
i arrived at naia with, my suitcase, about $2,000in pocket and nothing else. i had done a bit of research and found a small apartment in pasay. i wont lie, the place was absolutely shitty. i mean rough concrete floor, no ceiling, no air con, no hot water...it was essentially just floor hollow block walls and a bowl to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in. (and even the bowl to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in wasnt quite up to par)
but it was a month to month lease and i was only paying 1,300 (peso) per month, so i knew that once i found employment i could improve. the important thing was security, so i quickly made my way to the neighborhood hardware store and purchased some sliding locks and deadbolts. i was exhausted and decided that the installation and so forth could wait a day. so i settled in the night in my little house. it was oddly comfortable, a bit of a sacrifice but my thought was that sacrifices had to be made in order to build my self up. for the first night i slept on a blanket on the concrete, that was nearly unbareable. the next day i quickly purchased a uratex foam mattress. (for those of you who are not familiar, the uratex foam mattress is just a foam pad that locals use for bedding. cheap alternative for a regular mattress. often you will see men walking through the streets selling these items.) keep in mind that other than coming from the airport i had not yet ventured out of the confines of my "neighborhood".
another problem that i had was the insects. i swear that there were more insects inside the house than outside. mosquitos were enjoying imported meat and called all their friends. these werent regular mosquitos; these things were like small humming birds. i was miserable. the next day i decided that i needed to set out and find a mosquito net before i caught malaria or worse. after wandering around for 2-3 hours i found a misquito net and went home to install it and the locks i had purchased the day before.
new problem, i had no tools to install my locks. this is how my first real interaction with the neighbors began.......to be continued....
o it was time to borrow some tools....
let me give you a rough idea of the neighborhood. i would guess that there are around 200 families living there. most of which are in the lower portion of middle class (...umm yeah there is no middle class here but the higher portion of the lower class????) the house are what they call "row houses" they are all identical and each unit shares walls with the unit next to it. so needless to say your neighbors are always in close proximity.
the first question was which neighbor to ask. next door, i had only seen a woman and kids and she didn't look to friendly at all. on the other side i had not seen anyone yet. then i remembered that the night before there were a group of guys drinking out side at the house across the street.
using the "well, in the states...." logic (which i might add does not really apply here at all) i thought that since it was a group of guys and that they seemed to be middle aged it would be likely that they had a hammer. what i didn't consider was the likelihood that their english skills would be lacking. besides, i read that "all" filipinos speak english pdt_gun.gif . so i walk over and knock on the door. no one responds so i do the logical thing.....knock harder. finally a guy opened the door. he seemed pretty annoyed with my knocking but otherwise interested in why i was there. i said hi and explained that i had just moved in and needed to borrow a hammer. he smiled....and nodded understandingly...and smile...and just stood there. for a moment i thought maybe he was gay but then it occurred to me that i knew that expression. this guy did not understand a word i just said.
hmmmm...i tried again, "may i borrow a hammer?" he nodded and smiled and continue to stand there. i then expressed "hammer" by using my arm to do the "hammer" motion. then he says, " ahhhhh hammer" with a hard stress on the final syllable. alas, he understands. so he runs off inside of his house. when he returns he hands me the hammer and says, "you need help?" i smiled and said no but he insisted. so nestor and i installed all the locks and hung the mosquito net.
now from all of my travels i have learned that the best way to ensure your safety and take care of yourself is to get to know everything around you, including the people. so, with that knowledge, and because i felt a bit guilty his insisting on helping me i said "lets have a beer" (this time i was careful to imitate his exact speech pattern so that he would understand.) he said ok. i tried to ask where i could buy beer but he quickly stuck out his hand as if he would be the one to go buy. i said "how much?" {expecting that this would be the first scam of many} he said "100 is ok" so i hand him 100 peso and he runs about a block down the street and stops at another house. i am a little nervous about this because he talks to the person for a while and then is handed a large brownish color bottle and comes running back down the street.
he hands me my change and says "red horse....ok?" i said sure and thus began my first truely filipino drinking session....to be continued
as nester and i were drinking the beer we were joined by a few of the other neighbors and as always one beer turned into six. they were all quite friendly and one of the neighbors spoke exceptional english, they all seemed very interested in where i came from and why i was there and so forth. so i told the story atleast 15 times that night and built some good friendships. it had been a long day and i was almost drunk and decided it was time to get some sleep.
the next day, i decided to go buy some items for the house. as i walked outside all of my new found friends were eager to know "where i was going?" initially i was concerned about their intentions but it soon became clear that they were just being friendly. when i mentioned that i was going to buy some appliances one of the neighbors, peter, offered to drive his jeep and help me. i accepted his offer and offer to pay him. he rejected my offer and said that i would just pay for gas.
anyway, from that point forward i became close friends with all the neighbors. occasionally the wives would cook big meals, pancit or adobo or fish and offer me some. i would turn it down normally but they would insist until i took it.
i consider this as one of the most important keys to my success in this country. make friends with the people around you. do not be full of yourself or arrogant. treat them like friends and they will do the same to you.
around the fourth day of my stay in country i began to look for a job. it quickly became apparent that this wasnt going to be a small task. for one month i sent my resume to every job posting i could find and got no response. my bankroll was getting smaller by the moment. finally, after a month and a half i got a response from a korean school in manila. they ended hiring me to teach koreans english for about 25,000 pesos a month. the timing couldnt have been better as i was down to about 700 usd.
now for those of you who are wondering how i lived on 25,000 pesos a month, life can be cheap here if you are willing to be uncomfortable. in fact i was living pretty good by filipino standards. i had a tv, cable, and internet connection...thats high class. i decided to stay in the shitty house because the location was decent and i had a good relationship with all of my neighbors. i wasnt rich nor comfortable but i was ok.
after around three months, i was invited to a birthday party of one of my neighbors. it was the typical filipino birthday party. there was food, beer, and of course videokee. while at the party, i was introduced to nestor's (the hammer neighbor) sister. i would say on a scale of 1-10 she was atleast an 8. we hit it off immediately. after about a month she moved in, after about 4 more months we were married....and she was pregnant. drats....25,000 just isnt enough anymore.
while continuing to work at the school i began teaching private english lessons. i was putting in about 14 hours a day. i was tired all the time and had barely enough time to drink with neighbors. i resolved my self to change jobs.
i put my resume out there and kept up the same 14 hour a day routine for about 3 more months. then out of the blue one of my filipino co workers who had resigned about a month earlier sent me a text message. he informed me that he was now working for a call center and that his company was looking to hire an american trainer. he said that he knew some people and that i should drop off my resume.
within a month i took the position.....
my starting salary was 50,000. it was time to move to a little better lodging. so with the help of my wife we began looking for a new place. soon we found a 2 bedroom house in qc that was 10,000 per month and moved in. i was beginning to feel more comfortable. still not completely comfortable but getting there. at the end of the first 6th month i had received a raise and was now earning 50k monthly. things were going good. and the wifey was pregnant again. (told you that she was an 8!)
as of now, i am making about 65k. we live a pretty decent lifestyle. we go to the beach with the kids about once every two months. our house is pretty plush. we drink wine with our dinner and live pretty comfortably. all of my creature comforts are in place and we always have a little left over at the end of the month.
i still maintain a close friendship with my filipino neighbors in the first neighborhood. we visit often. again, i believe my friendships with those people has been vital to my survival here.
i have not ever been robbed or scammed. not one time since i've been here. i think a big reason why i haven't is because i watch my ass constantly. and i let the people around me know that i am familiar with the filipino way of doing things (even if 9 times out of 10 it is completely backwards). i speak tagalog fluently now which also seems to help.
as for mongering and partying. needless to say, the first 6 months or so there was none of that going on, other than a few shots with the neighbors. but there was no mongering at all. but these days i try to make sure i get some strange about twice a month.
it was pretty difficult at times but it is possible to live here and excel. it takes a tough person and a tough mind to get there but it is possible. would i recommend that anyone else go the same route??? hell no.
but as for me i will live and die comfortably in the philippines.
Probably not a month goes by without someone asking how much do you need to live in the Philippines
…..well here you go...this is one man's story ..the man who wrote this is a good guy traded IMs with him at another forum a couple times.Thanks for posting, I know many of us from stateside find this information quite helpful. As the economy continues to slide and as I find myself laid off and the foundation of our financial houses were nothing more than a giant Ponzi scheme, I am considering riding out the "storm" by "going native" in the Phils for the next 5 years or so.
I am actually surprised that he made that kind of move on US$3, 000. Just a couple of questions:
1 How does he obtain jobs being a non-citizen?
2 How long ago was this post/report made?
Wicked Roger
03-03-09, 11:04
Hi Guys
Am not regular write reports here but I like to tell you about a few things from ladies side as we also suffer here a problems in world. A some of you would know and met me also some of my friends, I live in Manila. I read the reports about bar fines and it quiet so I agree. I think same, customers not as many now and many not pay as much as before maybe they budget is I'm not know but means we also not have cash as much for family which is hard for us.
Jobs are not easy here! Many people not work, many people look for work but not much, many go away but now they return here as no jobs where they went to, so remember when your a girl, that she family and try be kind, we not very much either but less than you ok?
I agree bar fines to Makati is too high and the girl is not doing good business. For me I think better you to do as reports here before, get girls number and she visits you after work, at least she gets the money all money not part or you decide pay he small amount as you pay fine already
So think of girl please we need cash for family and it though more than before I think.
Hope you likes this report as my first real one I ashamed of my English but I wanted to say it
Thanks
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Hi Yxeslhady
Long time you have not FRed here. Good FR, good points same here in the UAE, I have more girls asking me for 'friends' than I have mongers at the moment. Some are going back home and need ticket money, some just need extra cash as the salary and cost of living is so high here. Whatever the reason, times are tougher and for the PRC (a dish I dont try) they are getting cheaper as well so other nationaliteis sufer with those mongers who are not as discerning as others.
As for you English...well my Tagalog/Visayan is limited to very naugthy words so not sure I could do a FR in your language :)
Hope to catch you soon when am next in Manila
Hey ILLOGIC,
Very inspiring story especially in light of the present economic situation
Worldwide.
A true fighting spirit. Glad you made it out of the doldrums.
Same thing cannot be said about lots of other people who settled in PHI.
Hey ILLOGIC,
Very inspiring story especially in light of the present economic situation
Worldwide.
A true fighting spirit. Glad you made it out of the doldrums.
Same thing cannot be said about lots of other people who settled in PHI.
I did not write the story but a guy I know did....
Thanks for posting, I know many of us from stateside find this information quite helpful. As the economy continues to slide and as I find myself laid off and the foundation of our financial houses were nothing more than a giant Ponzi scheme, I am considering riding out the "storm" by "going native" in the Phils for the next 5 years or so.
I am actually surprised that he made that kind of move on US$3, 000. Just a couple of questions:
1 How does he obtain jobs being a non-citizen?
2 How long ago was this post/report made?
1 How does he obtain jobs being a non-citizen?
A: Initially, I just flew by the seat of my pants and hope no one would ask questions. Fortunately, no one asked. I later took care of my residency so its a mute issue now.
2 How long ago was this post/report made?
A. It's been up for a month or so.
Starchild2012
03-13-09, 17:10
well, finally made it to manila, found a nice 12k 1bhk condo, all my search seems so easy, i dont know i think i have some karmic connection with philippines.
everything works soo smoothh in here..what it takes for me an year to do back in india..i do that here in one hour.
if anyone wants a good cheap condo in manila ...let me know ..i will hook you up with the agent who found the place for me.
as posted earlier, i was thinking of going to thailand but philippines suits me better...everyone speaks english here....even a tricycle dude speaks english.
i think filipinos are one step away from going to heaven :)...even being an indian and some of the work some indians do here like 5/6...i feel so respected and there is no discrimination at all.
i hate to say but a filipino going to india will not be respected as much as an indian would get respect here.
i just cant believe i can sleep with a girl i met 5 minutes back for free..it will never ever be possible in india.
filipino girls have a very big heart....and no one ever mentions filipino guys .....they are the best friends you can ever have.
no doubt filipinos too have some negative qualities which does not come in my way for doing things....i just cant say more than even if i get robbed or murdered or killed or raped here i will be happy to die in the paradise. :)
well, finally made it to manila, found a nice 12k 1bhk condo, all my search seems so easy, i dont know i think i have some karmic connection with philippines.
everything works soo smoothh in here..what it takes for me an year to do back in india..i do that here in one hour.
if anyone wants a good cheap condo in manila ...let me know ..i will hook you up with the agent who found the place for me.
as posted earlier, i was thinking of going to thailand but philippines suits me better...everyone speaks english here....even a tricycle dude speaks english.
i think filipinos are one step away from going to heaven :)...even being an indian and some of the work some indians do here like 5/6...i feel so respected and there is no discrimination at all.
i hate to say but a filipino going to india will not be respected as much as an indian would get respect here.
i just cant believe i can sleep with a girl i met 5 minutes back for free..it will never ever be possible in india.
filipino girls have a very big heart....and no one ever mentions filipino guys .....they are the best friends you can ever have.
no doubt filipinos too have some negative qualities which does not come in my way for doing things....i just cant say more than even if i get robbed or murdered or killed or raped here i will be happy to die in the paradise. :)
when i first came here..people used to call me just 5-6, 5-6...
i just couldn't figure out what that means..untill after a week in paseo..a good filipino dude.told me that most indians here do money lending business and they lend with 5-6% interest rate and its considered bad in their culture.
i was descriminated for a week based on my nationality, one girl after seeing me in sm mall for a meet up after yahoo chat, just ran away saying i was dark. :)
picasso couldn’t paint a more rose colored picture of pi….:confused: enjoy yourself and good luck.
Cunning Stunt
03-14-09, 04:41
Thanks for posting, I know many of us from stateside find this information quite helpful. As the economy continues to slide and as I find myself laid off and the foundation of our financial houses were nothing more than a giant Ponzi scheme, I am considering riding out the "storm" by "going native" in the Phils for the next 5 years or so.
Very interesting idea Dave and surprised nobody chose to answer your thought provoking query. Somehow I cannot envisage floods of economic migrants from the west, pitching up in The Philippines looking to ride out the present crisis in a more cost effective environment. And I would urge you to take careful stock before burning any bridges or making any hasty decisions. Why is this?
The economic outlook for The Philippines has never been particularly rosy and is not going to get that much better in the foreseeable future. The place just keeps barely afloat on the enormous sums remitted by its legions of OFW’s. But if the severe worldwide recession turns into a full blown depression, then many of these OFW’s might find themselves without jobs and have to return home. This is already happening to some extent with Taiwanese factories closing or scaling back production and laying off Filipino workers.
Then there would be a glut of returning Filipino’s competing for jobs that are already thin on the ground and with the loss of incoming revenue the whole country will start to feel the pinch. It is a recipe for disaster.
So would you really want to come to a country where your chances of obtaining gainful employment are slim at best? You might find some work, teaching English to Koreans but not much else. A job in a call centre is a possibility but I imagine that most of their management/training staff are recruited from abroad, so maybe that is not possible.
So it would only really work if you have independent means of income. Then you could live here relatively cheaply and ride out the world economic downturn in relative ease and comfort. And you would never be short of available pussy:D.
Thailand might be a better choice if you need to work. Obtaining (low) paid employment as an English teacher is fairly easy there.
GoodEnough
03-14-09, 11:06
Gamahucher, thanks for pointing out that post. I must have missed it. Had I seen it originally, I would have offered much the same advice as you did. As to the call center alternative, if you've got a degree and are reasonably articulate, you could probably get a job as a call center trainer/supervisor. I don't know the salaries associated with that position in Manila but in Davao, it's about $1,200 a month, hardly a fortune I grant you, but enough to get by on, albeit modestly, here.
There's a Yahoo group to which I belong that's comprised of people--mainly men and mainly American and Australian--who either live her or who want to live here. Many of these guys live way out in the sticks and claim to live reasonably well on $1,000 - $1,500 a month, so I guess it's possible. There are neighborhoods here where you can rent a two bedroom house of $200-$250 a month and the native food is very inexpensive as are clothes. So the whole thing is feasible.
I believe that eventually this economy, which is propped up essentially by massive borrowing and the remittances of overseas workers is going to totter seriously, if not implode. If this happens, though who rely on the local job market to earn what they need may be in serious trouble as this place, even in good times, cannot produce enough decent jobs to absorb its young, burgeoning labor force. On the other hand, the Business Process Outsourcing industry here--including call centers--is projected to grow despite the worldwide meltdown, so it may be safe.
The best advice however, might be to make sure you have enough to get by for several months and not to assume that you're going to find any sort of meaningful job quickly. Before coming here, you might also consider getting a TESL certificate, which will enable you to get a job teaching English more quickly, or perhaps get certified as an IELTS examiner, which would allow you to administer the test which people must pay about Php8,600 to take, and which is an essential qualification when applying abroad for jobs.
GE
Starchild2012
03-15-09, 10:35
Picasso couldn’t paint a more Rose colored picture of PI….:confused: Enjoy yourself and good luck.
hehehe..you right...that was couple of years ago in Cebu but you did not read my whole story did you ?? You really did paint a half picture with a cutout quote ..Picasso would never have painted a half cut out picture of anyone or has he :D
hehehe..you right...that was couple of years ago in Cebu but you did not read my whole story did you ?? You really did paint a half picture with a cutout quote ..Picasso would never have painted a half cut out picture of anyone or has he :D
Yeah I did cut it. Man to say there is no racism in Philippines or anywhere else is foolish. Those girls/people are poor in most cases and if you have money they will talk to you. Now if they have money you will see what they think about you. Money having Filipinas are just as bitchy and choosy as women everywhere.
Don’t romanticize the place it is what it is.
ThatGuy865
03-15-09, 17:21
I can't understand why some one would move to a 3rd world country to work long hours, probably 6 days a week. Earn about 1/4 of what they would back home just to be with a young girl. (having a degree and working in a call center making $1200 a month)
A McDonalds worker in the US makes that, and works less.
Regardless if you have a decent house. You live in the boonies. Have no medical benefits and are a second class citizen when it comes to rights. What would one of you do if you had a emergency and needed immediate medical attention. You'd be shit out of luck. Or had a confrontation with another Filipino. Who's side would the law be on. Chance are the Flips. And you'd lose. Besides the limited amount of options for food, entertainment. I've never seen a food market in the PI that could rival one of the supermarkets in the US.
It is substanting but you are far from living a good life. Does that mean you can't be happy. No. But I can find people who live in cardboard boxes or even prison who will tell you they are happy. That doesn't make it a good way to live.
Member #4647
03-15-09, 23:17
You said: "just to be with a young girl" and that about sums it up. So what if you are making 4x as much in the US if you have to beg to get some old 180 lb ***** to fuck you. What about paying girls $200 for 15 minutes of starfish fucking? I don't think you can put a price on feeling like Brad Pitt when walking through the mall. I love the phils. You don't need to come here, just more young lbfm's for me.
GoodEnough
03-16-09, 03:47
I can't understand why some one would move to a 3rd world country to work long hours, probably 6 days a week. Earn about 1/4 of what they would back home just to be with a young girl. (having a degree and working in a call center making $1200 a month)
A McDonalds worker in the US makes that, and works less.
Regardless if you have a decent house. You live in the boonies. Have no medical benefits and are a second class citizen when it comes to rights. What would one of you do if you had a emergency and needed immediate medical attention. You'd be shit out of luck. Or had a confrontation with another Filipino. Who's side would the law be on. Chance are the Flips. And you'd lose. Besides the limited amount of options for food, entertainment. I've never seen a food market in the PI that could rival one of the supermarkets in the US.
It is substanting but you are far from living a good life. Does that mean you can't be happy. No. But I can find people who live in cardboard boxes or even prison who will tell you they are happy. That doesn't make it a good way to live.
It's clear from reading your post that either you have misunderstood the situation of many of those who live here, or you have not met a lot of expats who live here.
Like me, most of the guys I know, work here for foreign companies--in my case American--and make foreign salaries that, given the housing allowances and the tax breaks, amount to significantly more than they would make if living in their home countries. Not only do they receive high six figure salaries, but housing allowances, full benefits, and substantial bonuses for working in a developing country. Given that the cost of living here is half or less of what it is in the West, and given that we make probably 40% more than we could in the West, we live extremely well.
Then of course, there's the quality of life. Where I live, I can and do buy beef from the States, cheeses from Europe, wine from France, Italy, Australia or wherever, and pretty much of the same quality that I could find in France (formerly home) or the US, where I was born. I have a large house in a gated community that's at least as nice as what I would find in the West, and it's in the city, not the boondocks. I have two live-in maids that I could never afford in the West.
I have in-house wireless internet, cable TV and about every other amenity that I could wish for except for high definition TV broadcasts.
Succinctly, the lifestyle is better than in the West, the weather is much better, and the endless supply of twenty-somethings I'm sure I don't even have to describe.
Then there's the large class of people--mostly men--who live here on modest pensions that stretch a hell of a lot further here than in Europe, Australia or the States. They too have a lifestyle here that they could not sustain in their home countries. For them, the choice of countries is a no-brainer.
I do not know a single expat here who lives on the local economy: who works for a call center or any Filipino business and I've never met anyone in these circumstances, so I expect they're a relatively small minority.
GE
I'm moving to Manila on Feb 15, Got some condo/Apartment leads from craigslist...but still not the budget range im looking for 7500 to 10000 PHP.
Does anyone know any contacts/agents who could show me condos and apartments in and around Manila.
Much easier that way, cos i can then concentrate on other important things ;)Sure PM me & I will be happy to pass on a name of someone you can trust. Apartments range in price from mild to wild, just depends on location & size.
Cheers
AV
probably not a month goes by without someone asking how much do you need to live in the philippines
…..well here you go...this is one man's story ..the man who wrote this is a good guy traded ims with him at another forum a couple times....
i thought i would share my story for you guys who are considering moving to the phils. i will break this down into several post in order to make it a bit easier to read. enjoy.
caution: this post may not live up to your expectations! i did not come to this country as prepared as some of you may have or may plan to. as a result, i had to sacrifice alot and learn alot and work really hard but after two years i am in a very comfortable situation now. this path is certainly not for everyone but it can be done!
my name is(......), friends just call me (....), and i have been living in the philippines for almost 2 years now. i have spent the last 10 years traveling around asia, finding jobs and settling down in each country i have visited. i have lived in 5 countries throughout those years and i have finally decided to stay put here in the phils. this is how it happened:
about 2 years ago i was sitting in my shitty apartment in osaka, japan, i was pretty pissed off because i just lost my job and was pretty much sick of japan. i gave japan a good run and enjoyed most of my time there but i was growing restless with the routine and i was time to go.
so, with i opened up my laptop and the journey began as it had begun many times before. within a week i had made my decision to move to the philippines. i was actually torn between thailand and the philippines, but ultimately decided on the philippines. at that time i had about 3 grand in the bank and decided to roll the dice.
i arrived at naia with, my suitcase, about $2,000in pocket and nothing else. i had done a bit of research and found a small apartment in pasay. i wont lie, the place was absolutely shitty. i mean rough concrete floor, no ceiling, no air con, no hot water...it was essentially just floor hollow block walls and a bowl to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in. (and even the bowl to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in wasnt quite up to par)
but it was a month to month lease and i was only paying 1,300 (peso) per month, so i knew that once i found employment i could improve. the important thing was security, so i quickly made my way to the neighborhood hardware store and purchased some sliding locks and deadbolts. i was exhausted and decided that the installation and so forth could wait a day. so i settled in the night in my little house. it was oddly comfortable, a bit of a sacrifice but my thought was that sacrifices had to be made in order to build my self up. for the first night i slept on a blanket on the concrete, that was nearly unbareable. the next day i quickly purchased a uratex foam mattress. (for those of you who are not familiar, the uratex foam mattress is just a foam pad that locals use for bedding. cheap alternative for a regular mattress. often you will see men walking through the streets selling these items.) keep in mind that other than coming from the airport i had not yet ventured out of the confines of my "neighborhood".
another problem that i had was the insects. i swear that there were more insects inside the house than outside. mosquitos were enjoying imported meat and called all their friends. these werent regular mosquitos; these things were like small humming birds. i was miserable. the next day i decided that i needed to set out and find a mosquito net before i caught malaria or worse. after wandering around for 2-3 hours i found a misquito net and went home to install it and the locks i had purchased the day before.
new problem, i had no tools to install my locks. this is how my first real interaction with the neighbors began.......to be continued....
o it was time to borrow some tools....
let me give you a rough idea of the neighborhood. i would guess that there are around 200 families living there. most of which are in the lower portion of middle class (...umm yeah there is no middle class here but the higher portion of the lower class????) the house are what they call "row houses" they are all identical and each unit shares walls with the unit next to it. so needless to say your neighbors are always in close proximity.
the first question was which neighbor to ask. next door, i had only seen a woman and kids and she didn't look to friendly at all. on the other side i had not seen anyone yet. then i remembered that the night before there were a group of guys drinking out side at the house across the street.
using the "well, in the states...." logic (which i might add does not really apply here at all) i thought that since it was a group of guys and that they seemed to be middle aged it would be likely that they had a hammer. what i didn't consider was the likelihood that their english skills would be lacking. besides, i read that "all" filipinos speak english pdt_gun.gif . so i walk over and knock on the door. no one responds so i do the logical thing.....knock harder. finally a guy opened the door. he seemed pretty annoyed with my knocking but otherwise interested in why i was there. i said hi and explained that i had just moved in and needed to borrow a hammer. he smiled....and nodded understandingly...and smile...and just stood there. for a moment i thought maybe he was gay but then it occurred to me that i knew that expression. this guy did not understand a word i just said.
hmmmm...i tried again, "may i borrow a hammer?" he nodded and smiled and continue to stand there. i then expressed "hammer" by using my arm to do the "hammer" motion. then he says, " ahhhhh hammer" with a hard stress on the final syllable. alas, he understands. so he runs off inside of his house. when he returns he hands me the hammer and says, "you need help?" i smiled and said no but he insisted. so nestor and i installed all the locks and hung the mosquito net.
now from all of my travels i have learned that the best way to ensure your safety and take care of yourself is to get to know everything around you, including the people. so, with that knowledge, and because i felt a bit guilty his insisting on helping me i said "lets have a beer" (this time i was careful to imitate his exact speech pattern so that he would understand.) he said ok. i tried to ask where i could buy beer but he quickly stuck out his hand as if he would be the one to go buy. i said "how much?" {expecting that this would be the first scam of many} he said "100 is ok" so i hand him 100 peso and he runs about a block down the street and stops at another house. i am a little nervous about this because he talks to the person for a while and then is handed a large brownish color bottle and comes running back down the street.
he hands me my change and says "red horse....ok?" i said sure and thus began my first truely filipino drinking session....to be continued
as nester and i were drinking the beer we were joined by a few of the other neighbors and as always one beer turned into six. they were all quite friendly and one of the neighbors spoke exceptional english, they all seemed very interested in where i came from and why i was there and so forth. so i told the story atleast 15 times that night and built some good friendships. it had been a long day and i was almost drunk and decided it was time to get some sleep.
the next day, i decided to go buy some items for the house. as i walked outside all of my new found friends were eager to know "where i was going?" initially i was concerned about their intentions but it soon became clear that they were just being friendly. when i mentioned that i was going to buy some appliances one of the neighbors, peter, offered to drive his jeep and help me. i accepted his offer and offer to pay him. he rejected my offer and said that i would just pay for gas.
anyway, from that point forward i became close friends with all the neighbors. occasionally the wives would cook big meals, pancit or adobo or fish and offer me some. i would turn it down normally but they would insist until i took it.
i consider this as one of the most important keys to my success in this country. make friends with the people around you. do not be full of yourself or arrogant. treat them like friends and they will do the same to you.
around the fourth day of my stay in country i began to look for a job. it quickly became apparent that this wasnt going to be a small task. for one month i sent my resume to every job posting i could find and got no response. my bankroll was getting smaller by the moment. finally, after a month and a half i got a response from a korean school in manila. they ended hiring me to teach koreans english for about 25,000 pesos a month. the timing couldnt have been better as i was down to about 700 usd.
now for those of you who are wondering how i lived on 25,000 pesos a month, life can be cheap here if you are willing to be uncomfortable. in fact i was living pretty good by filipino standards. i had a tv, cable, and internet connection...thats high class. i decided to stay in the shitty house because the location was decent and i had a good relationship with all of my neighbors. i wasnt rich nor comfortable but i was ok.
after around three months, i was invited to a birthday party of one of my neighbors. it was the typical filipino birthday party. there was food, beer, and of course videokee. while at the party, i was introduced to nestor's (the hammer neighbor) sister. i would say on a scale of 1-10 she was atleast an 8. we hit it off immediately. after about a month she moved in, after about 4 more months we were married....and she was pregnant. drats....25,000 just isnt enough anymore.
while continuing to work at the school i began teaching private english lessons. i was putting in about 14 hours a day. i was tired all the time and had barely enough time to drink with neighbors. i resolved my self to change jobs.
i put my resume out there and kept up the same 14 hour a day routine for about 3 more months. then out of the blue one of my filipino co workers who had resigned about a month earlier sent me a text message. he informed me that he was now working for a call center and that his company was looking to hire an american trainer. he said that he knew some people and that i should drop off my resume.
within a month i took the position.....
my starting salary was 50,000. it was time to move to a little better lodging. so with the help of my wife we began looking for a new place. soon we found a 2 bedroom house in qc that was 10,000 per month and moved in. i was beginning to feel more comfortable. still not completely comfortable but getting there. at the end of the first 6th month i had received a raise and was now earning 50k monthly. things were going good. and the wifey was pregnant again. (told you that she was an 8!)
as of now, i am making about 65k. we live a pretty decent lifestyle. we go to the beach with the kids about once every two months. our house is pretty plush. we drink wine with our dinner and live pretty comfortably. all of my creature comforts are in place and we always have a little left over at the end of the month.
i still maintain a close friendship with my filipino neighbors in the first neighborhood. we visit often. again, i believe my friendships with those people has been vital to my survival here.
i have not ever been robbed or scammed. not one time since i've been here. i think a big reason why i haven't is because i watch my ass constantly. and i let the people around me know that i am familiar with the filipino way of doing things (even if 9 times out of 10 it is completely backwards). i speak tagalog fluently now which also seems to help.
as for mongering and partying. needless to say, the first 6 months or so there was none of that going on, other than a few shots with the neighbors. but there was no mongering at all. but these days i try to make sure i get some strange about twice a month.
it was pretty difficult at times but it is possible to live here and excel. it takes a tough person and a tough mind to get there but it is possible. would i recommend that anyone else go the same route??? hell no.
but as for me i will live and die comfortably in the philippines.thanks for sharing this.
really interesting read.
from my experiences here i cant stress enough that this post, whilst sincere, does not convey just how tough it would be to try to walk in this guys shoes.
im glad he succeeded.
as i cruise the streets of manila i see old white dudes scratching around the streets that clearly did not make the jump from beggar to tax payer...
av
Cunning Stunt
03-16-09, 05:28
GE is correct. Many of the expats living here in the Philippines are living the dream with a standard of living at least equal to and in many cases far superior to that which might be achieved in the west.
I live in an exclusive gated community in Manila with all the conveniences and luxuries that would be expected back home (but with none of the eye watering bills, except for the power bill which IS extortionate). Only one maid now, I’m afraid. I also have a condo. Both bought and paid for so no mortgage payments. With income from business interests here in The Philippine plus a pension plus investment income (albeit a bit reduced recently), I am achieving an overall income which would allow for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle back home. But this equates to ‘living in the lap of luxury’ here.
Admittedly the supermarkets are shit here compared to the west but the wet markets are full of super fresh produce at knock down prices. I have balikbayan boxes, full of imported goodies unavailable here, sent out at regular intervals. Only thing I miss is a top class steak and such luxury items as duck breast, fresh pates etc.
But with the easy availability of that other type of fresh meat which satisfies a different kind of hunger, I can tolerate the culinary deficiencies;).
I have a few foreign friends retired here (mostly non-mongering or perhaps like me don’t admit to it:D) who manage to live very comfortably on much less money than I achieve. It is really not that hard, even in Manila, but particularly in the provinces.
Professional
03-16-09, 06:22
I can't understand why some one would move to a 3rd world country to work long hours, probably 6 days a week. Earn about 1/4 of what they would back home just to be with a young girl. (having a degree and working in a call center making $1200 a month)
A McDonalds worker in the US makes that, and works less.
Regardless if you have a decent house. You live in the boonies. Have no medical benefits and are a second class citizen when it comes to rights. What would one of you do if you had a emergency and needed immediate medical attention. You'd be shit out of luck. Or had a confrontation with another Filipino. Who's side would the law be on. Chance are the Flips. And you'd lose. Besides the limited amount of options for food, entertainment. I've never seen a food market in the PI that could rival one of the supermarkets in the US.
It is substanting but you are far from living a good life. Does that mean you can't be happy. No. But I can find people who live in cardboard boxes or even prison who will tell you they are happy. That doesn't make it a good way to live.GE is right making 1200 us dollars in america is different from making 1200 us dollars in PI.
GoodEnough
03-16-09, 07:34
Gamahucher, who has (thankfully) shared an excellent contact with me once before apparently shares with me some lifestyle choices as well. There is a restaurant here in Davao that serves excellent Magret de Canard (duck breast), and I would be happy to take you there should you ever come here to Davao. I have never seen it for sale in the markets. However, I did buy imported Confit de Canard the last time I was in Manila and I look forward to preparing it soon.
As to beef, I have American Black Angus steaks cut to my specifications here. Admittedly, at about $16 a kg. it's relatively expensive, but the beef is superb and I do not eat it that often. Just keep a few in the freezer for when I really crave good steak.
As Gamahucher has said, and quite correctly, the quality of the fruits and veggies at the large farmers-type markets here is excellent, and the produce is really inexpensive.
In my case, I'm enjoying a far better lifestyle than I could at home. Plus, of course, I can dive for practically nothing, almost 12 months a year, and pretty much whenever I want.
GE
Cunning Stunt
03-16-09, 09:36
Might take you up on your kind offer one day, GE. Know so many Mindanao girls and yet its years since I ventured down there. I really am a lazy twat these days and tend to reserve most of my travel to outside the Philippines which is criminally indolent of me with all the splendid places to go within the islands. But in my early days here I did travel extensively throughout the country so have been most everywhere worth going (and a lot of places that aren't).
It has always amazed me that ducks are raised here only for those disgusting baluts but Filipino's have no taste for the meat. Crazy. Try asking for one in the market and they will look at you like you had asked for boiled foetus or something. I think that they are considered unclean because they will are omnivorous although that does not stop them eating pig or dog. Yet another example of the Filipino irrationality. The only place to buy duck in Manila is in a high quality supermarket such as the Makati supermarket or in Chinatown.
I have yet to find anywhere in Manila that sell real good quality beef so you are lucky if you have a place. I have wasted so much money on supposed top quality cuts of imported US or Australian steak that have turned out to be absolute rubbish, that I have just about given up. Its the same with lamb. I think that a lot of the problem is that they have no idea here about butchery and looking after cuts of meat. Filipino supermarkets frequently defrost and then refreeze meat which greatly affects the edibility of the final product apart from being totally unhygienic.
Luckily I like Pork and Chicken otherwise I would become an involuntary vegetarian. The seafood is pretty good as well with a wide variety on sale although I'm rather partial to the ubiquitous Bangus.
GE is right making 1200 us dollars in America is different from making 1200 us dollars in PI.
Man $1200 is $1200. I don’t care where you lay at. The only way a person should even think of living off that in PI is if that $1200 was only monthly “generated” income but they had like 300K in the bank.
Thanks for sharing this.
Really interesting read.
From my experiences here I cant stress enough that this post, whilst sincere, does not convey just how tough it would be to try to walk in this guys shoes.
Im glad he succeeded.
As I cruise the streets of Manila I see old white dudes scratching around the streets that clearly DID NOT make the jump from beggar to tax payer...
AV
Tough…? Seems almost impossible. Should be a movie. As for the “old dudes” moving to a foreign countries and working for and living on peanuts you got to be out your fucking mind especially when the only motivation is pussy.
Regardless if you have a decent house. You live in the boonies. Have no medical benefits and are a second class citizen when it comes to rights. What would one of you do if you had a emergency and needed immediate medical attention. You'd be shit out of luck. Or had a confrontation with another Filipino. Who's side would the law be on. Chance are the Flips. And you'd lose.
Besides the limited amount of options for food, entertainment. I've never seen a food market in the PI that could rival one of the supermarkets in the US.
It is substanting but you are far from living a good life. Does that mean you can't be happy. No. But I can find people who live in cardboard boxes or even prison who will tell you they are happy. That doesn't make it a good way to live.
I can’t disagree with shit you said here.
You said: "just to be with a young girl" and that about sums it up. So what if you are making 4x as much in the US if you have to beg to get some old 180 lb ***** to fuck you. What about paying girls $200 for 15 minutes of starfish fucking? I don't think you can put a price on feeling like Brad Pitt when walking through the mall. I love the phils. You don't need to come here, just more young lbfm's for me.
All the women in the west are not 180Ibs. There are some nice looking sweet women in the west and this complaining about them says a lot more about you then them. Also if you feel like Brad Pitt in PI then you are delusional.
It's clear from reading your post that either you have misunderstood the situation of many of those who live here, or you have not met a lot of expats who live here.
Like me, most of the guys I know, work here for foreign companies--in my case American--and make foreign salaries that, given the housing allowances and the tax breaks, amount to significantly more than they would make if living in their home countries. Not only do they receive high six figure salaries, but housing allowances, full benefits, and substantial bonuses for working in a developing country. Given that the cost of living here is half or less of what it is in the West, and given that we make probably 40% more than we could in the West, we live extremely well.
Then of course, there's the quality of life. Where I live, I can and do buy beef from the States, cheeses from Europe, wine from France, Italy, Australia or wherever, and pretty much of the same quality that I could find in France (formerly home) or the US, where I was born. I have a large house in a gated community that's at least as nice as what I would find in the West, and it's in the city, not the boondocks. I have two live-in maids that I could never afford in the West.
I have in-house wireless internet, cable TV and about every other amenity that I could wish for except for high definition TV broadcasts.
Succinctly, the lifestyle is better than in the West, the weather is much better, and the endless supply of twenty-somethings I'm sure I don't even have to describe.
Then there's the large class of people--mostly men--who live here on modest pensions that stretch a hell of a lot further here than in Europe, Australia or the States. They too have a lifestyle here that they could not sustain in their home countries. For them, the choice of countries is a no-brainer.
I do not know a single expat here who lives on the local economy: who works for a call center or any Filipino business and I've never met anyone in these circumstances, so I expect they're a relatively small minority.
GE
GE the guy was directing his post to post #952 I don’t think he meant to throw all PI expats in the same boat.
I like my trips abroad, $100k plus Condos etc. I couldn’t even think nor would I even attempt to “bean” count here.
ThatGuy865
03-16-09, 14:11
You guys strictly talk about your houses you have to live in. Which is all good. Outside of living in Makati, Cebu, and maybe Angeles proper. Its like having the best house in the Ghetto. Once you step out of your house you are back into the shit. I don't want to have to wait 2 weeks to ship beef to me, when I have the mood for a good steak. Damn I can drive down the street and get it. Can you? .
If I get hit by a car and am bleeding terribly. I believe I will make it to a reliable hospital with quality care. Can you say that? .
If I get into a beef with another individual. I know I have an equal chance of wining whatever the case may be. Can you say that?
If I'm thirsty and see a water fountain anywhere. I can drink from it. Can you?
If I have to take a shit. I can go into any restaraunt/gas station and know there will be adequate facilities. How many times can you do that?
What does it look like in your area when it rains. Fucked up infrastructures.
How many brown outs do you have. I have NONE. Can you say that?
The list could go on and on.
Yeah working for a Foreign Company is a good thing and the best way to go. But a lot of these guys were talking about living on just $1000 to $1200 a month. I believed someone did mention even working in a call center as a viable way to live.
Cunning Stunt
03-16-09, 17:36
You guys strictly talk about your houses...blah,drone,blah
So .... whats your point? Just stay in the States or wherever and enjoy your comfortable life. Why would you ever think of leaving your countries borders and venturing into the third world when you know you will not find clean toilet facilities:confused: Surprised that you bother posting on this board as you obviously despise The Philippines. Life must be pretty tedious if you always opt for the safe options?
Just hope you get as much pussy as I do :D.
Starchild2012
03-16-09, 18:01
Sure PM me & I will be happy to pass on a name of someone you can trust. Apartments range in price from mild to wild, just depends on location & size.
Cheers
AV
Thanks AV...i have already found a condo for 12k in mandaluyong. :)
Yeah I did cut it. Man to say there is no racism in Philippines or anywhere else is foolish. Those girls/people are poor in most cases and if you have money they will talk to you. Now if they have money you will see what they think about you. Money having Filipinas are just as bitchy and choosy as women everywhere.
Don’t romanticize the place it is what it is.
Well Said...i think your are from west not sure but im from India third world as it is in Philippines.
if i compare India with Philippines....it is a paradise for me...even with the same amount of money i earned in India i was having 1/10 of the fun i get here.
you are right about racism in the western sense..what we have in India is casteism which is worse than racism as your own people hate you for your religion.
even though im christian, religious intolerance and hatred is very much alive..you feel an alien in your own country.
All bars close by 12.30 am, you cant smoke in restaurants or roadside which is understandable but you cant smoke in your own building premises nor in your own office lobby.
Women get beaten literally in the name of religion if they go to pubs and night clubs..you can search the mangalore ram sene incident in youtube..trust me you will be shocked by the way women were beaten by the fundamentalist in the name of religion in India not Afghanistan.
you can't hang out with friends as freely as you do here.
thought not strictly followed...these are the laws....there is a complete ban on dance bars....so it means...all burgos street, roxas blvd, edsa like places are completely banned though they open secretly...every illegal bars close by 9 PM
90% of the beer in India are adulterated so is the food....one can do google search on the food adulteration in India.
you have to pay nearly 30 % tax plus 15 % other taxes on your income and going out. eating adulterated food.
One Bedroom hall unfurnished apartment would cost 15K pesos in Mumbai sub urban place. Deposit you will be shocked 100,000 thousand pesos plus you would have to pay one month rent to the agent who found the house for you.
80% of the well secured home in mumbai would not allow bachelor accommodation..you would have to be married to get a decent accommodation in Mumbai.
You can never ever..i repeat never ever imagine meeting a girl you met just 5 minutes ago in yahoo....in India....never ever...even a hooker wont come that fast in India.
India is hell in economic sense..that is the reason....Indians who go to the west and get everyday bombarded with racist comments choose to rather ignore than go back to india..it is worse.
That is the reason any comment Filipinos make about Indian is way way less harsh than what i would face if i go back to India.
I can point out 100 more points of why i will choose Philippines and knowingly ignore the bad things here ...cos i know there is worse waiting for me back home :)
If i make more money as freely...may be i would move out to other places but with my present economic situation and comparing it with India.....i love the Philippines :)
Thanks AV...i have already found a condo for 12k in mandaluyong. :)
Well Said...i think your are from west not sure but im from India third world as it is in Philippines.
if i compare India with Philippines....it is a paradise for me...even with the same amount of money i earned in India i was having 1/10 of the fun i get here.
you are right about racism in the western sense..what we have in India is casteism which is worse than racism as your own people hate you for your religion.
even though im christian, religious intolerance and hatred is very much alive..you feel an alien in your own country.
All bars close by 12.30 am, you cant smoke in restaurants or roadside which is understandable but you cant smoke in your own building premises nor in your own office lobby.
Women get beaten literally in the name of religion if they go to pubs and night clubs..you can search the mangalore ram sene incident in youtube..trust me you will be shocked by the way women were beaten by the fundamentalist in the name of religion in India not Afghanistan.
you can't hang out with friends as freely as you do here.
thought not strictly followed...these are the laws....there is a complete ban on dance bars....so it means...all burgos street, roxas blvd, edsa like places are completely banned though they open secretly...every illegal bars close by 9 PM
90% of the beer in India are adulterated so is the food....one can do google search on the food adulteration in India.
you have to pay nearly 30 % tax plus 15 % other taxes on your income and going out. eating adulterated food.
One Bedroom hall unfurnished apartment would cost 15K pesos in Mumbai sub urban place. Deposit you will be shocked 100,000 thousand pesos plus you would have to pay one month rent to the agent who found the house for you.
80% of the well secured home in mumbai would not allow bachelor accommodation..you would have to be married to get a decent accommodation in Mumbai.
You can never ever..i repeat never ever imagine meeting a girl you met just 5 minutes ago in yahoo....in India....never ever...even a hooker wont come that fast in India.
India is hell in economic sense..that is the reason....Indians who go to the west and get everyday bombarded with racist comments choose to rather ignore than go back to india..it is worse.
That is the reason any comment Filipinos make about Indian is way way less harsh than what i would face if i go back to India.
I can point out 100 more points of why i will choose Philippines and knowingly ignore the bad things here ...cos i know there is worse waiting for me back home :)
If i make more money as freely...may be i would move out to other places but with my present economic situation and comparing it with India.....i love the Philippines :)
Yo man after that. I apologize profusely. I guess to you PI is heaven. Great antonyms. Right now I am going to graciously bow out.
You guys strictly talk about your houses you have to live in. Which is all good. Outside of living in Makati, Cebu, and maybe Angeles proper. Its like having the best house in the Ghetto. Once you step out of your house you are back into the shit.
That's a powerful analogy.
If I get hit by a car and am bleeding terribly. I believe I will make it to a reliable hospital with quality care. Can you say that? .
Nope.
If I get into a beef with another individual. I know I have an equal chance of wining whatever the case may be. Can you say that?
If he or she is the son or daughter of a politician, cop or military commander your goose is fucking cooked.
If I'm thirsty and see a water fountain anywhere. I can drink from it. Can you?
Nope. Bottle water is best. Unless you want to spend your weeks or months or life here on the porcelain throne.
If I have to take a shit. I can go into any restaraunt/gas station and know there will be adequate facilities. How many times can you do that?
I was in Cebu on a date last year with a 4’11” assumed (unconfirmed) virgin nurse. Had to shit. After shit found there was no toilet paper because the locals steal it. Can’t say here what I did to get out of this jam.
The list could go on and on.
Nice posts. Keep it up.
ShadowAxis
03-17-09, 04:55
Some of the points brought up by Thatguy865 and others are really worth consideration. My dad, for example would never put up with the inconvenience and stupidity that I have simply stopped noticing. Living here requires a compromise in your temperment, no matter where you are located. Even in Makati I have planned my lifestyle, contingency plans, and day to day affairs around that ever obvious reality that I am surrounded by poverty and may need to take a shit. It's second nature now, but took about two years to get over.
The reward is a lifestyle that I could never afford in Silicon Valley as a single income earner in addition to all the other benefits. (maid, inexpensive child care, cook, international schools, illusion of being attractive, ect.)
Medical care.
When I came to the PI the location of my condo was key. If something like a heart attack or stroke should happen, it's likely to happen right here at home. The odds of being killed in traffic seemed pretty low in comparison. So while I can walk to Greenbelt in about 20 minutes, I can walk to Makati Medical Center in 2 minutes or less. If I jumped off my balcony and flapped my arms fast enough I might crash down onto an ambulance (or taxi) parked in front of the emergency room entrance.
Dealing with local conflict and building barriers.
You'll lose any war with a powerful local, which isn't so different from small town America. Understand that locals respond very negatively to confrontation and logic. (they will lose face, and probably not understand the logic) Right or wrong is rarely the issue – it's all politics from the street level to the palace. However there are strong methods of tipping the scales in your favor and I have seen all of these methods work. First, go to church every Sunday. It's a great hunting ground for girls who are praying for something to confess. Donate small (to you) sums of cash every week, volunteer to help the unwed mothers, get to know the priest – a recommendation from the clergy here is good as gold. Lastly, if you happen to be a Freemason then you're in luck – Masonry is huge in the Philippines and almost every powerful local is a brother. To find out how to become a Freemason – all you have to do is ask. Lastly, start a charity to help the children, feed the poor, educate the locals. When you are clearly a contributor to the local scene your character is nearly unassailable. No one wants to lose face by jailing a saint – remember, Jesus was a white man. (sorry – couldn't resist! )
Day to day.
Luckily, most of the places I shop are very near a luxury hotel. There is a selection of 5 star hotels around Greenbelt, Robinsons, and there is the Century Park Hotel near Harrison. If I feel the urge to take a dump – I go straight for a hotel. No one questions any white guy going in or out of any hotel here in the PI. The bathrooms will all have paper and other amenities. For places like Greenhills – where the shopping is good but there aren't great potty options – I resort to my kit bag.
Kit bag. (and go bag)
I bought this handy travel bag that I carry everywhere. In the front pocket I have a roll of toilet paper, some lube, soap, hand sanitizer, a few condoms, and a comb. Don't leave home without it!
Go bag.
The car contains a go bag, which has change of clothes, copies of docs, toiletries, and other items required should I have to make a quick escape or spend the night somewhere.
BL5 – I thought your comparison of India to the PI was extremely interesting. It really put things into perspective and I appreciate the reality check. I suppose the real issue here is wanting a better life, and understanding that the good life is not always in the same country we were born in.
For the guys who are into American girls. Obviously, not all white girls are overweight slobs (only 3 out of 5 in Mississippi and 1 in 5 in CA are morbidly obese); some are just BBW (big beautiful women) or chunky. And I am sure not all of them are self-absorbed bitches who get trained by shows like Sex and the City to have unrealistic expectations about men, money, and lifestyle. After all, we should adore women who contribute nothing but a case of bacterial vaginosis to the relationship, can't wash their own ass, and complain about you to the other members of her pack. I say stuff the bitches Gucchi bag with KFC and catch the next flight out.
Enjoy Brothers.
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.
Cunning Stunt
03-17-09, 08:33
if i compare india with philippines....it is a paradise for me...even with the same amount of money i earned in india i was having 1/10 of the fun i get here.
sorry to hear your negative input regarding your own country. but i understand your motivation and know what you mean.
must say, though, that i think india is one of my favorite countries to visit. i have only had one experience of mongering in india (in calcutta) and the less said about that the better. but for culture, history, atmosphere, diversity, scenery and cuisine, the subcontinent has few peers. i still get more of a buzz visiting india than most other places.
i did the europe to india hippy land trek way back in the mid 70’s when it was still possible. driving a rickety old converted camper van with a bunch of other nutty, wannabe hippies, we got as far as near quetta before the van irrevocably broke down. then it was a combination of bus, train, hitching, camel, and good old shanks pony, till we eventually pitched up on anjuna beach in goa about 6 weeks later after lots of amazing adventures and close shaves. we then proceded to drink, fuck and smoke ourselves to nirvana and back (remember when hash was not just legal in goa – it was compulsory!) for the next 3 months. we slept in huts, yards from the blue ocean and not only did we not have toilet tissue, we didn’t even have toilets. a spade and a hole in the sand had to make do with a jug of water taking the place of shit paper:d.
don’t think i’ve ever been so blissfully happy either before or since.
yes, india might have mucho problems and be no use as a mongering destination, but it will always hold a special place in my travelers heart. but then again i don't have to live there 24/7. gh
interesting flashback from g,
strangely enough, the philippines also provided me one of those "defining" moments. no tissue paper. panic. i was 19.
oh, so wash your ass/arse at the faucet next to the toilet. duh, it's a lot cleaner than wiping.
something so fundamental as wiping your arse turns out to be different between cultures....and i haven't been the same since.
x
sorry to hear your negative input regarding your own country. but i understand your motivation and know what you mean.
must say, though, that i think india is one of my favorite countries to visit. i have only had one experience of mongering in india (in calcutta) and the less said about that the better. but for culture, history, atmosphere, diversity, scenery and cuisine, the subcontinent has few peers. i still get more of a buzz visiting india than most other places.
i did the europe to india hippy land trek way back in the mid 70’s when it was still possible. driving a rickety old converted camper van with a bunch of other nutty, wannabe hippies, we got as far as near quetta before the van irrevocably broke down. then it was a combination of bus, train, hitching, camel, and good old shanks pony, till we eventually pitched up on anjuna beach in goa about 6 weeks later after lots of amazing adventures and close shaves. we then proceded to drink, fuck and smoke ourselves to nirvana and back (remember when hash was not just legal in goa – it was compulsory!) for the next 3 months. we slept in huts, yards from the blue ocean and not only did we not have toilet tissue, we didn’t even have toilets. a spade and a hole in the sand had to make do with a jug of water taking the place of shit paper:d.
don’t think i’ve ever been so blissfully happy either before or since.
yes, india might have mucho problems and be no use as a mongering destination, but it will always hold a special place in my travelers heart. but then again i don't have to live there 24/7. gh
I was just in Manila for a few weeks. Time was with gf so no mongering to report this trip. But we did get out to the provinces, specifically Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro and Iloilo. My comments:
Thatguy865's comment about having the best house in the neighborhood is right on the nose. Everywhere I went, the people were great. Excellent hosts. But their accommodations were definitely not to my liking. Bamboo beds, squat toilets, no running water, no toilet paper, no aircon, dirt roads, trash all over, burning trash, cocks crowing, etc. Glad to see the people, glad to leave. Humbles me a lot: I'm just very grateful and thankful for what I have, and that I don't have to live that way.
Further making it hard to live in the provinces: I can't buy a house anywhere to begin with and have it be in my name. Gf is hinting at buying for her, but I won't go there. All of which makes a strong argument for permanent accommodations in a condo in a major city. But I'd have to put up with the traffic and pollution in Manila. That was not much fun so it's a tradeoff one has to make. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed my visit overall and I do think about living there permanently, everyone just needs to see the reality for what it is.
My toilet kit for going out is simple: I get travel size packages of wet tissue, these are easily stored in my cargo pants pockets or in a small pack around my waist. Be sure to buy the kind that is flushable, these are made to dissolve in the water. That has worked for me pretty much everywhere I go. Illogic, it's OK to admit to using the tabo to clean your butt. Been there, done that.
Drinking bottled water and watching what you eat works too. I didn't have any problems eating the food the locals served me, but remember it was all cooked fresh, that was part of their hospitality, they were not serving me the honored guest any leftovers.
Anyway, keep the back and forth coming, I enjoy reading all comers... I also peruse the Yahoo forum that GE mentions.
Cunning Stunt
03-18-09, 04:51
However there are strong methods of tipping the scales in your favor and I have seen all of these methods work. First, go to church every Sunday. It's a great hunting ground for girls who are praying for something to confess.
Must admit, Shadow that that avenue of opportunity had never occurred to me. Mall hunting yes, but church trawling, never. I salute your originality.
Must try it - trouble is that when I enter a church, it is usually accompanied by a clap of thunder and the clear skies turn dark:D.
Redfield10
03-18-09, 05:33
Lol. Apparently you haven't been to CA lately.
I just came back from a "Singles" event. Ages approximately 30 to. The women there probably represented the upper 20% of women income-wise in the Bay Area (which is among the top 10% of the United States). You get the picture.
Easilyi 50% were overweight.
And they wonder why we like the Asian persuasion?
Some of the points brought up by Thatguy865 and others are really worth consideration. My dad, for example would never put up with the inconvenience and stupidity that I have simply stopped noticing. Living here requires a compromise in your temperment, no matter where you are located. Even in Makati I have planned my lifestyle, contingency plans, and day to day affairs around that ever obvious reality that I am surrounded by poverty and may need to take a shit. It's second nature now, but took about two years to get over.
The reward is a lifestyle that I could never afford in Silicon Valley as a single income earner in addition to all the other benefits. (maid, inexpensive child care, cook, international schools, illusion of being attractive, ect.)
Medical care.
When I came to the PI the location of my condo was key. If something like a heart attack or stroke should happen, it's likely to happen right here at home. The odds of being killed in traffic seemed pretty low in comparison. So while I can walk to Greenbelt in about 20 minutes, I can walk to Makati Medical Center in 2 minutes or less. If I jumped off my balcony and flapped my arms fast enough I might crash down onto an ambulance (or taxi) parked in front of the emergency room entrance.
Dealing with local conflict and building barriers.
You'll lose any war with a powerful local, which isn't so different from small town America. Understand that locals respond very negatively to confrontation and logic. (they will lose face, and probably not understand the logic) Right or wrong is rarely the issue – it's all politics from the street level to the palace. However there are strong methods of tipping the scales in your favor and I have seen all of these methods work. First, go to church every Sunday. It's a great hunting ground for girls who are praying for something to confess. Donate small (to you) sums of cash every week, volunteer to help the unwed mothers, get to know the priest – a recommendation from the clergy here is good as gold. Lastly, if you happen to be a Freemason then you're in luck – Masonry is huge in the Philippines and almost every powerful local is a brother. To find out how to become a Freemason – all you have to do is ask. Lastly, start a charity to help the children, feed the poor, educate the locals. When you are clearly a contributor to the local scene your character is nearly unassailable. No one wants to lose face by jailing a saint – remember, Jesus was a white man. (sorry – couldn't resist! )
Day to day.
Luckily, most of the places I shop are very near a luxury hotel. There is a selection of 5 star hotels around Greenbelt, Robinsons, and there is the Century Park Hotel near Harrison. If I feel the urge to take a dump – I go straight for a hotel. No one questions any white guy going in or out of any hotel here in the PI. The bathrooms will all have paper and other amenities. For places like Greenhills – where the shopping is good but there aren't great potty options – I resort to my kit bag.
Kit bag. (and go bag)
I bought this handy travel bag that I carry everywhere. In the front pocket I have a roll of toilet paper, some lube, soap, hand sanitizer, a few condoms, and a comb. Don't leave home without it!
Go bag.
The car contains a go bag, which has change of clothes, copies of docs, toiletries, and other items required should I have to make a quick escape or spend the night somewhere.
BL5 – I thought your comparison of India to the PI was extremely interesting. It really put things into perspective and I appreciate the reality check. I suppose the real issue here is wanting a better life, and understanding that the good life is not always in the same country we were born in.
For the guys who are into American girls. Obviously, not all white girls are overweight slobs (only 3 out of 5 in Mississippi and 1 in 5 in CA are morbidly obese); some are just BBW (big beautiful women) or chunky. And I am sure not all of them are self-absorbed bitches who get trained by shows like Sex and the City to have unrealistic expectations about men, money, and lifestyle. After all, we should adore women who contribute nothing but a case of bacterial vaginosis to the relationship, can't wash their own ass, and complain about you to the other members of her pack. I say stuff the bitches Gucchi bag with KFC and catch the next flight out.
Enjoy Brothers.
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.
Wicked Roger
03-18-09, 06:06
Must admit, Shadow that that avenue of opportunity had never occurred to me. Mall hunting yes, but church trawling, never. I salute your originality.
Must try it - trouble is that when I enter a church, it is usually accompanied by a clap of thunder and the clear skies turn dark:D.
Try it G as here in the UAE it can be a useful source of cuties. I advised a couple of ISG guys who had some Filipinas in tow to at least take them to the church, wait outside and see what wanders around..it worked.
I can take a WG to church but like you if I go in the clap of thunder is heard etc :D So I wait outside, park up and view the scene. You can get a few numbers that way...only problem I have found is if they are very religious it does take time to get your wicked way, but when you do it is fun ;)
ShadowAxis
03-19-09, 05:17
that's too damn funny. i did one of those, hosted at the metreon in sf by match.com about 6 years ago. met a petite indian engineer who worked at intel. at the time i thought she was a 6 or 7, now that i am here (. ph) she gets a 3. but i could lift her.
however, the deeper i descended into her crotch jungle the more it smelled like [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134). she came fast. which was a godsend. i didn't even want to wipe my face on the sheets.
in asia. the only similar experience was with a hooker from mongolia. sort of like attila the hun's little sister. she was thick, heavy, built, and stank like a yurt. locally however. i have never encountered a stinky girl (pro or amateur). vaginal hygiene seems to be one of the few things the locals seems to have a handle on.
just remember the words of the late great sam kinison, "lick the alphabet."
http://www.evt1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=14486
lol. apparently you haven't been to ca lately.
i just came back from a "singles" event. ages approximately 30 to. the women there probably represented the upper 20% of women income-wise in the bay area (which is among the top 10% of the united states). you get the picture.
easilyi 50% were overweight.
and they wonder why we like the asian persuasion?
Bill Buxton
03-19-09, 18:23
I know know at 45 yrs old I can deal 100% better with the P. I. On my first several trips I got caught up in the p4p games everywhere I went. I did have a great time and had many many many more than most"GIRLS. I did however get caught up in the small STUFF Constant Bitching and trying to compare, explain, advise others of what it is and should be here.
LOGIC, how can you ever get through, explain, make sense of anything, when the person you are talking to has never left there town much less there home country?
Was I an assh--- most of the time sure I was and the greatest factor was I HAD NOTHING TO DO!
Sure I had girls, drinks and the like but this was 100% my life every waking minute. Who can deal with 3-6-8-10 gals each and every day wanting to line there own pockets with me being the bank?
It was fun, don't get me wrong but times have changed, and that was before "PAST IS PAST" like they say.
Most guys I met are still doing what they originally came here for "GIRLS" and they have nothing more than some money in the bank"not all" and a check every month from "SOCIAL SECURETY OR THE LIKE"They play cards, darts, drink most to excess and have nothing to keep there minds sharp. They sit a read the paper and watch the p-dollar, euro rates and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) and moan about the great losses there are receiving. To take a huge hit they first would have to have "MONEY". Most think they have money but in fact have enough to live better than a local "some"but most have not enough to live in a box wherever they came from!
The well laid business plans from most include but are not limited to, GIRLS, DRINKS, ENVESTMENT SCAMMS AND SO ON. REMEMBER (work work work) has never entered the equation. Every time I went back to the us and then returned to the P. I. I was greeted by most often bad news about a person I had previously met being sick or dead. The most common contributing factor was ALCOHOL! Now please don't tell me that this is misinformation because even though the person might have had diabetes they "STILL DRANK A VAT OF BOOZE EACH AND EVERY DAYAND NEVER TOOK CARE OF THEMSELVES"! Yes the diabetes got them but the drinking was what pushed them over the edge.
Another person here said going to church, helping the locals, and doing the like was status forming, HE WAS RIGHT! When the people see us A FOREIGNER working to help others and not just a drunken girl banging Heep of shit they respond to us differently. Sure you can do the girl thing and have a great time, but that gets old. When you settle down in the Provence and decide to live in such an area things change. The microscope is magnified by 100XXXX and the bamboo telegraph is constant.
Now people see me as a great help to the area, when before the status was Rich bad talking, bad attitude foreign guy. Sure the 4 letter words are used almost as much as before but when you give back in jobs, food, money and other ways they seem to overlook most of your shortcomings. The big fancy house is looked at as he does a good thing for his family and town. He is deserving of a good life he helps us all so why not, ans as always there are some that take, and still are jealous of us. I can say honestly I make as much as anyone in the states that has a good job, I pay no workers comp, no medical insurance, no tax and have over 25 HAPPY people employed. I do very little other than manage most of what goes on via the PC. Still have my business here in the states and wish I had started my business in the P. I. Years ago.
People change, I did and I was as much discontented as anyone, but I had a plan and found the way to get a great life was keeping busy not just sitting and finding fault with everything around me. It's not like anywhere else, don't try and change it take it for what it is and have a good life.
I am sure if I can, anyone can.
B. B.
Bill Buxton
03-20-09, 01:27
Interesting flashback from G,
Strangely enough, the Philippines also provided me one of those "defining" moments. No tissue paper. Panic. I was 19.
Oh, so wash your ass/arse at the faucet next to the toilet. Duh, it's a lot cleaner than wiping.
Something so fundamental as wiping your arse turns out to be different between cultures....and I haven't been the same since.
XI am sure you, and the ladies anywhere would appreciate a clean backside. Adopting this arse washing is not a bad idea, the person at the laundry will never see your skidmarks in the shorts, who knows she might have a good looking daughter.
Was I an assh--- most of the time sure I was and the greatest factor was I HAD NOTHING TO DO!
Thanks, BB. Someone who thinks a bit like me. I'm not at the end of my p4p days, but I can see it from here. Consequently if I'm going to live in the Phils or other SE Asian country, I gotta have something constructive to do. Actually that applies wherever I am following my upcoming semi-retirement. Don't want to sit on the porch watching life go by or have nothing better to do but check out the Sunday cockfights or drink myself into a stupor. So far I haven't figured that part out yet so I won't make any permanent move until I do.
FreebieFan
03-20-09, 10:08
Try it G as here in the UAE it can be a useful source of cuties. I advised a couple of ISG guys who had some Filipinas in tow to at least take them to the church, wait outside and see what wanders around..it worked.
I can take a WG to church but like you if I go in the clap of thunder is heard etc :D So I wait outside, park up and view the scene. You can get a few numbers that way...only problem I have found is if they are very religious it does take time to get your wicked way, but when you do it is fun ;)One day when bored at home (and wife away) I decided to try the Church route in KL, where I live. Sure enough after the 11am service, the Pinays poured out. I was loitering with intent and soon enough two ladies approached. Both were non players but ladies on a day off. Took them both for coffee. Split one off. And off we went. Tried and tested method of hunting! LOL
Bill Buxton
03-20-09, 12:07
Thanks, BB. Someone who thinks a bit like me. I'm not at the end of my p4p days, but I can see it from here. Consequently if I'm going to live in the Phils or other SE Asian country, I gotta have something constructive to do. Actually that applies wherever I am following my upcoming semi-retirement. Don't want to sit on the porch watching life go by or have nothing better to do but check out the Sunday cockfights or drink myself into a stupor. So far I haven't figured that part out yet so I won't make any permanent move until I do.It's like a dog show in most places that the foreigners stay. The men sit around telling of the things they did to get here and the wives or gf's parade around telling each other what new ring or new gold trinket they got or will be receiving. The more they tell yarns the more silly they sound.
The greatest think I ever did was bring my wife to the states, she now gets to see what our life is outside the P. I. Box. She sees the people, living arrangements, shopping, business, bills, insurance, the whole day to day life here. She can tell the difference in the people living in her country that say they HAVE. She can tell that some of my friends living in the PI are there because they would only have corner spots on a sidewalk if they were still here. All the boasting and bulabula the spew from there drunken sucks are lies. She now can make the comparison between MONEY and bullshit! This was a great thing for both of us. When she sees a guy complaining to the waitress about the cost of a drink, beer, food, lodging expense she gets mad. And when she hears a guy yak yak about his bar fine for 1000-p she gets mad. She knows that that same bf "HOOKER" in the states for the night would cost that MOPE 1000-dollars.
This knowing the difference is a great help to me when we are in the PI. My wife oversees the family side of the business and runs the relatives with an iron fist. She gives them 100% what they deserve but if they slack off she will let them know about how much they will be docked "pay wise" for not giving 100%.
When I first went over 4-5 years back and was single I asked my friends about bringing back there wives and gf's, the answer was always NO. They all gave various reasons and most were never going back themselves. I heard all the stories about the gals all having families scamming them for cash, bf's and all the bad things the gals here do. None of witch was EVER the fault of the foreign guy!
Sure we all know about the scams, deals, bf's and the like, but there are some good gals here. QUESTION-would you expect to find a trusting loving caring wife in a whoowa house or street corner, or better you chance your luck to a girl in church? And please, don't tell me they all go to church I know this. The people here do what they do because most have no choice and need money. Some fathers let there girls work in the bar and they are home drinking and have no problem with that. I myself do have a problem with that but I am sure it will never change.
The family and money, they will all try and help the family but, only to a point. They will not take your last peso to help a family member stay drunk. They will give them a chance to help themselves and if they do not they get shut off.
Another thing about talking to the people here, they do not understand all of what we say! Sure they speak English but they do not fully understand what the meaning of each and every word is. They seem to follow the conversation to a point and that's that. They will often ask later what was meant by what was said. Most of they time they will not ask in front of others. They "most of the time" get insulted by things we say because of this very reason. Not because we were insulting only because they did not fully understand what we said. Remember they have learned PROPER English, most Americans speak fast English with slang, this is not the way they were taught "English" in school. That being said, it's easy for a simple joke or phrase by us, to be a seemingly bad statement towards them.
Another thing is education, Sure they all graduate high school, but the HS here is like 4-5 grade back home. And college is like a HS grad not a 4 year degree back home. Understanding, speaking, acceptance, patients, trust are all a large day to day part of getting by here and having a great life. Bar fines girls, card games, and being a bigmouth will only get you taken for a ride, most guys find this out only after the fact.
B. B.
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.
I know know at 45 yrs old I can deal 100% better with the P. I. On my first several trips I got caught up in the p4p games everywhere I went. I did have a great time and had many many many more than most"GIRLS. I did however get caught up in the small STUFF Constant Bitching and trying to compare, explain, advise others of what it is and should be here.
LOGIC, how can you ever get through, explain, make sense of anything, when the person you are talking to has never left there town much less there home country?
Was I an assh--- most of the time sure I was and the greatest factor was I HAD NOTHING TO DO!
Sure I had girls, drinks and the like but this was 100% my life every waking minute. Who can deal with 3-6-8-10 gals each and every day wanting to line there own pockets with me being the bank?
It was fun, don't get me wrong but times have changed, and that was before "PAST IS PAST" like they say.
Most guys I met are still doing what they originally came here for "GIRLS" and they have nothing more than some money in the bank"not all" and a check every month from "SOCIAL SECURETY OR THE LIKE"They play cards, darts, drink most to excess and have nothing to keep there minds sharp. They sit a read the paper and watch the p-dollar, euro rates and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) and moan about the great losses there are receiving. To take a huge hit they first would have to have "MONEY". Most think they have money but in fact have enough to live better than a local "some"but most have not enough to live in a box wherever they came from!
The well laid business plans from most include but are not limited to, GIRLS, DRINKS, ENVESTMENT SCAMMS AND SO ON. REMEMBER (work work work) has never entered the equation. Every time I went back to the us and then returned to the P. I. I was greeted by most often bad news about a person I had previously met being sick or dead. The most common contributing factor was ALCOHOL! Now please don't tell me that this is misinformation because even though the person might have had diabetes they "STILL DRANK A VAT OF BOOZE EACH AND EVERY DAYAND NEVER TOOK CARE OF THEMSELVES"! Yes the diabetes got them but the drinking was what pushed them over the edge.
Another person here said going to church, helping the locals, and doing the like was status forming, HE WAS RIGHT! When the people see us A FOREIGNER working to help others and not just a drunken girl banging Heep of shit they respond to us differently. Sure you can do the girl thing and have a great time, but that gets old. When you settle down in the Provence and decide to live in such an area things change. The microscope is magnified by 100XXXX and the bamboo telegraph is constant.
Now people see me as a great help to the area, when before the status was Rich bad talking, bad attitude foreign guy. Sure the 4 letter words are used almost as much as before but when you give back in jobs, food, money and other ways they seem to overlook most of your shortcomings. The big fancy house is looked at as he does a good thing for his family and town. He is deserving of a good life he helps us all so why not, ans as always there are some that take, and still are jealous of us. I can say honestly I make as much as anyone in the states that has a good job, I pay no workers comp, no medical insurance, no tax and have over 25 HAPPY people employed. I do very little other than manage most of what goes on via the PC. Still have my business here in the states and wish I had started my business in the P. I. Years ago.
People change, I did and I was as much discontented as anyone, but I had a plan and found the way to get a great life was keeping busy not just sitting and finding fault with everything around me. It's not like anywhere else, don't try and change it take it for what it is and have a good life.
I am sure if I can, anyone can.
B. B.Well said, I am going to have that problem soon. I hope I figure it out like you did great post.
LoveAsianWhores
03-21-09, 22:51
Some interesting posts recently. Makes me remember when. But now, none of the points resonate with me. Living here is like living back in the states, but just more girls, more freedom, and a higher standard of living. I live in a nice house with nice neighbors, work from home, and usually only leave home to go bar barhopping and barfining 3 or 4 times a week. And that is just how I like it.
Living just ouside of Subic, I really never see any of the issues mentioned. I can't even remember the last time I went into a bathroom couldn't find toilet paper (but then again, I very rarely need to crap outside of my home). After a couple of years here, you stop noticing all the things that seem to bother newbies.
As for those "weird" foreigners that tend live in the bars? I can't quite figure them out. Maybe they are happy, maybe not. We live worlds apart and I can't relate to them at all. For me, bars are simply a place to find a girl to barfine. Nothing more, nothing less.
Life here is really, really good. At least for me.
IT'S GOOD TO BE THE KING!
Ay ideas on a cheap way to ship misc items from California
Thanks
Proudpinoy
04-02-09, 00:50
Wow! Great post! I've been reading on this site for almost 3 years and this is by far, the most interesting and inspiring stories I've ever read. (ironic that I found an "inspiring" story on a sex site and had nothing to do with sex)
I forwarded your post to a several of my friends here in Manila and all of them had the same reaction. I tell you, there is no way I could of gone down the same path as you. I'm a germ freak and I cannot stand the bathrooms here or the hygenic practices of the locals.
If you are ever in the Makati area, I would love to buy dinner / drinks or even hit a bar with you. You're a good man and I"m happy for your success here.
Buxton,
I would love to pick your brain sometime. I am fresh back from a trip to Manila. I went to LA cafe and saw some of the harden pros and then went to some malls and the bank and got some girls that were just ready to come here. All in all. Every girl was fun and great. Some felt like they wanted more from me, some were all business. I have a few questions or statements that I would love some feed back on.
Is DIA a good place to set up and meet a few for the Girl Friend type? Or Am I better off going out on town? I want to meet quality girls. I hear the provinces are full of poor girls that are pretty and americans kind of have a "Rock Star" stigma. If this is true. Where? I felt that Manila had a few too many Americans there and I felt the people are just plain used to it and didn't really care for us much or didn't take to the social flirting. So my question again is "What province or city do I go to that Americans don't tred the soil so much that its no big deal when one arrives? And where I will get more people interested because of the fact I am american?
Secondly, I will not write off Manila because I made a mint on the fake purses and watches back home and want to set up some sort of exporting of some nature to make some extra money while I am here for my extended second trip.
Third. Does anyone else feel when they go in the bars they would do a few things different and so on and so forth? I want to open a bar/club or something of this nature, packed with girls and fresh americans paying american prices for beers and snacks while collecting bar fine money? I mean we are all in heaven here, imagine if a group or a pair of us could open a bar here?
I own a great biz back in OHIO, but I would love to have something over here to give me a reason to come more often, and better yet, have a great time watching my investment? So is anyone else feeling the idea?
Any way anyone wants to help out with info is great. Like I said, I was in Manila and I kinda get the jist, I want to go to a nice CHEAP province where the dollar stretches further and a lot of nice things that could be had for cheap. AND. Not so many pros, but more sincere girls that would love a chance to meet me.
George
Ay ideas on a cheap way to ship misc items from Clif?
ThanksDo you mean California??? I should think the cost prohibitive. Electrical goods are cheap in Asia.
AV
Punter 127
04-02-09, 14:45
Do you mean California??? I should think the cost prohibitive. Electrical goods are cheap in Asia.
AV All the electronics I priced in Cebu were about double the cost of the same item in the USA.
I don't know about California pricing, but just go on the internet and check USA prices and compare to the prices in the Philippines.
Now I'm even starting to see a few TV's at places like "Sams Clubs" in the USA that are dual voltages as well.
It makes sense to take electronics from the USA, if you can find a cheap way to get them there, such as in you luggage.
Yes, prices on electronics in the Phils are much higher than in the US or the UK. For instance, at an electronics store I visited in a mall in Metro Manila during my last trip, prices were at least 70-100% higher for flat screen TVs. Of course you might be willing to pay that for the convenience of having it delivered that day. Small stuff you are better off bringing from home if it will work with 220v outlets. Larger items, you might look into pricing and shipping in Hong Kong and keep in mind customs duties will be a big deal as well. But that will cost you a visit there. Sigh... someone's going to get paid to get the good stuff there, you may as well get used to it.
Another alternative if you have a lot of smaller stuff is to use balikbayan shipping boxes. There are shippers in California that do this sort of thing (LBC is one). Downside is it will typically take several weeks to get there as it goes by sea. I would not do this for any flat screen monitor or TV unless it was small (19" or less) and I had the original packaging for it.
You may find more info at the Living in the Philippines forum. Good luck shopping around.
All the electronics I priced in Cebu were about double the cost of the same item in the USA.
I don't know about California pricing, but just go on the internet and check USA prices and compare to the prices in the Philippines.
Now I'm even starting to see a few TV's at places like "Sams Clubs" in the USA that are dual voltages as well.
It makes sense to take electronics from the USA, if you can find a cheap way to get them there, such as in you luggage.Im thinking Manila prices. The further away you are from Manila the higher the price due to monopolistic shipping prices in PI. I dont stumble into SM & buy the first thing i see. It pays to do a little research about where to buy. If paying for something produced in China to be shipped half way round the world to US & then all the way back round again to Phils is a good idea in your mind then more power to ya! :)
AV
Punter 127
04-02-09, 22:05
Im thinking Manila prices. The further away you are from Manila the higher the price due to monopolistic shipping prices in PI. I dont stumble into SM & buy the first thing i see. It pays to do a little research about where to buy. If paying for something produced in China to be shipped half way round the world to US & then all the way back round again to Phils is a good idea in your mind then more power to ya! :)
AV I didn’t say it was a “good idea” I said "All the electronics I priced in Cebu were about double the cost of the same item in the USA."
I stand by that statement and I think Finrods post also supports that.
Yes, prices on electronics in the Phils are much higher than in the US or the UK. For instance, at an electronics store I visited in a mall in Metro Manila during my last trip, prices were at least 70-100% higher for flat screen TVs. Of course you might be willing to pay that for the convenience of having it delivered that day. Small stuff you are better off bringing from home if it will work with 220v outlets. Larger items, you might look into pricing and shipping in Hong Kong and keep in mind customs duties will be a big deal as well. But that will cost you a visit there. Sigh... someone's going to get paid to get the good stuff there, you may as well get used to it.
Another alternative if you have a lot of smaller stuff is to use balikbayan shipping boxes. There are shippers in California that do this sort of thing (LBC is one). Downside is it will typically take several weeks to get there as it goes by sea. I would not do this for any flat screen monitor or TV unless it was small (19" or less) and I had the original packaging for it.
You may find more info at the Living in the Philippines forum. Good luck shopping around.Remember I also said “It makes sense to take electronics from the USA, if you can find a cheap way to get them there, such as in you luggage.”
I hope you can prove me wrong but I don’t think you can find a “32" Sony Bravia LCD 720p HDTV” for 697.00 U$S. in Manila or any other place in the RP.
If you can please put two on hold for me and I will pick them up when I return in May.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=401170
Oh and “I dont stumble into SM & buy the first thing i see.” I have been doing extensive research on prices in Cebu because I plan to move there later this year, and I’ve been there 3 times in the last year checking things out. :)
Cunning Stunt
04-03-09, 02:24
Another alternative if you have a lot of smaller stuff is to use balikbayan shipping boxes. There are shippers in California that do this sort of thing (LBC is one). Downside is it will typically take several weeks to get there as it goes by sea. I would not do this for any flat screen monitor or TV unless it was small (19" or less) and I had the original packaging for it.
Last summer I used the very efficient and cheap balikbayan box method to send a 28" flat screen TV from UK to Manila. It cost, I recall, 120 British pounds for 1 supersize box (in which the TV fitted nicely in its original box), 3 medium size boxes and 1 small bonus box. The price was door to door and the company provided all the boxes. I recall thinking at the time that the profit margins for the company must be marginal at these prices. I was able to send many other electrical items, plus loads of other items and foodstuffs, unobtainable in The Philippines.
All the boxes arrived safely (and unopened with the original banding) 5 weeks later and apart from a couple of minor breakages, everything was OK.
The saving made on the TV alone (which are extortionately priced here) more than paid for the boxes. So I would say that the balikbayan box system is worth considering, if you are importing a lot of stuff.
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