General Info

Most of the expats I know of that retire in those places drink themselves to death in the bars. Being stuck anywhere is a drag, so best be sure you have the means to travel still. If you're living in Phil, it will be nice to get up into the peaceful hills of Thailand and mellow down for a while. And be able to go back to your home country at least once a year, like maybe around Christmas. Then you won't have to hear the chipmonk version of the 12 Days of Christmas through blown out speakers a million fuckin times.

[QUOTE=ZipGun6; 1506544]I am considering retirement next year at age 54. Having visited several places in the world, I am giving some consideration to 3 places. Angeles city PI, Chiang Mai Thailand, or Medellin Colombia.

Having visited all 3 places several times in the past, and upon drawing up lists as to the merits of each location, I have one concern I would like to ask a Retired person in similar circumstance.

I would like to know your long term thoughts of living in a place that you have only visited on vacation, as compared to long term retirement living. More to the point.

1. In AC for example, are you still going out hitting the bars 3 plus nights a week 1 year into retirement?

2. Do most Expats end up hitting the Bars early in Retirement and then settling down with a steady GF after a few months?

3. Does what seem like a great place for vacation turn out to be a very boring place after a few months?

In essence, does the appeal of the "monger scene" lose its luster after you live there.

Additional data. Do not consider monthly budget as a factor when responding. Also. My plan is to always rent in all locations.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1506848]Interesting read on NAIA and the passport control officers there.

More alarming (?) is the last paragraph. Justice moves slowly in the country.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/543559/abusive-immigration-personnel[/url][/QUOTE]Yeah. No matter how jet lagged, tired or eager you are to get thru and head to Pussyville the advice is good.

These guys are the guardians of the gate and can accept or reject you, and are super sensitive to any negative comments.

The sign says " no talking on the phone" so whilst you don't, its ok that they talk on phone to each other with earpieces on, often making comments about how the next person in line looks.

The last time I enterered one fat cow immagration lady, thinking I don't understand tagalog said to her equally fat neighbour " wow this guy here looks impatient". I replied in English that I was sorry I looked impatient, but I needed a bathroom and had been in line for 20 minutes. Memo to self " act dumber in future".

She stamped the passport and threw it back at me.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1506848]Interesting read on NAIA and the passport control officers there.

More alarming (?) is the last paragraph. Justice moves slowly in the country.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/543559/abusive-immigration-personnel[/url][/QUOTE]So far I have always been incredibly polite. I mark 'business' as my reason for travel but my fear is that one day, the outgoing immigration officer will see that as an invitation to ask for a little assistance. Currently making about 4 trips per year on business to Pi, I know that it is just a matter of time until I face off against one of the more adaptable officers.

BD

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1504424]So, any of you who are still getting requests for assistance related to Yolanda, from this area, can take it with a large grain of salt.

G[/QUOTE]Had one bg on my facebook profile whom I met a year ago in Angeles. She had been good fun and I always try and keep in contact with them for a followup visit with a relationship built on time.

Anyway, following multiple visits back to AC and she never replied to any of my FB messages I guess she had moved on. Well it has taken her about a month to learn about how to milk foreigners via FB and she now has a solid 'Yolanda' story. She even now miz me so much and wish we can be bf / gf. I did point out that she hasn't miz me for the past twelve months. Consequently I haven't heard from her again.

I feel sorry for the many armchair mongers whom are sending Western Union to this new story.

I feel sorry that the money does not get to the intended people.

BD

[QUOTE=BrainDrain;1506948]Anyway, following multiple visits back to AC and she never replied to any of my FB messages I guess she had moved on. Well it has taken her about a month to learn about how to milk foreigners via FB and she now has a solid 'Yolanda' story. She even now miz me so much and wish we can be bf / gf. I did point out that she hasn't miz me for the past twelve months. Consequently I haven't heard from her again.[/QUOTE]I would have never told her that she lost contact for 12 months. Pinays are not good in deciphering sarcasm. And will think you are an evil person. End of story!

I will just act dumb, if she was a good screw. To get her to bed. If she was good.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1506939]Yeah. No matter how jet lagged, tired or eager you are to get thru and head to Pussyville the advice is good.

These guys are the guardians of the gate and can accept or reject you, and are super sensitive to any negative comments.

The sign says " no talking on the phone" so whilst you don't, its ok that they talk on phone to each other with earpieces on, often making comments about how the next person in line looks.

The last time I enterered one fat cow immagration lady, thinking I don't understand tagalog said to her equally fat neighbour " wow this guy here looks impatient". I replied in English that I was sorry I looked impatient, but I needed a bathroom and had been in line for 20 minutes. Memo to self " act dumber in future".

She stamped the passport and threw it back at me.[/QUOTE]Those who support NAIA and BI people as nice are those who are really subservient and very demure. Try to question them. They go mad. Power mad idiots all in the govt service. Imagine those virtually shivering in their boots and being extremely polite. Or else. You will be subject to secondary screening (whatever term they use to drive anybody nuts.)

Like this trip, I was asked my purpose of visit and I went "visit my wife."

The BI officer goes "oh so you have a wife here." I said "I am offended by your suggestion that I have [B]A[/B] Wife. I only have one wife and I am only married once." (of course, one wife don't mean I don't have gfs. Last count, it was just 3.)

She gave me the look and said "You don't have to be rude to us."

Yah right.

Of course I know in The PH grammer. 'you have a wife' is the same as 'you are married to a Filipino. ' though I couldn't resist trying to see how they react.

And when I was leaving, after paying terminal fee, I still had the balance pesos in my hand, and the BI guys after the counter openly asked "sir, you can donate the balance for Christmas fund." I Smiled and said "will I get a receipt." and before he could digest it with a smiling face I moved away.

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1506866]And be able to go back to your home country at least once a year, like maybe around Christmas. Then you won't have to hear the chipmonk version of the 12 Days of Christmas through blown out speakers a million fuckin times.[/QUOTE]Sure wish that I'd followed your advice. I made the mistake of visiting an SM Hypermarket earlier today and now I've got 'Frosty, the Snowman' going round and round in my head in an endless fucking loop. Its driving me barmy.

Zippo, you lucky dog, I wish I could retire at 54. I haven't been to Chiang Mai, nor Columbia, so I don't have any enlightening information for you. But I think it's a great question and will create a lot of discussion here.

As for question 1, in Ac, it seems some of the long timers do hit the bars regularly. But they sit around and chat with themselves. I personally get bored with the place in less than a week.

If I was thinking about living in Philippines I might look at Cebu or Davao. Nevertheless, if you go to the Manila thread, you'll find several regular posters who seem to live and love the place.

Take a look at the Davao thread and peruse Good Enough's messages. He's not retired, but has a few years under his belt. He's landed on your number 2.

And when I visit Philippines I often meet guys who live in more remote places and seem to have created their own little utopia wherever they are. Different strokes for different folks.

X.

[QUOTE=ZipGun6; 1506544]I am considering retirement next year at age 54.

SNIP.

1. In AC for example, are you still going out hitting the bars 3 plus nights a week 1 year into retirement?

2. Do most Expats end up hitting the Bars early in Retirement and then settling down with a steady GF after a few months?

3. Does what seem like a great place for vacation turn out to be a very boring place after a few months?

In essence, does the appeal of the "monger scene" lose its luster after you live there.

Additional data. Do not consider monthly budget as a factor when responding. Also. My plan is to always rent in all locations.[/QUOTE]

Risky, if she is / was a bar girl. She has needs that you might not be able to give after a few years.

If you settle in Phils, your GF will become very jealous if you go out without her. She met you in a bar (I assume) and will expect you to go back to old habits.

It is a major problem, to balance the new GF, with your needs.

Try seeking a non WG, difficult I know.

But I managed it, and love the attention I receive, but very aware of the jealous looks, and "discussions".

Be faithful, and you will have a great life in retirement.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Bumz Rush; 1507181]Be faithful, and you will have a great life in retirement.

Bumz[/QUOTE]Bumz, the word "faithful" and "living in the Philippines" are not words I associate together in the same sentence LOL.

But you are right, the girls suddenly change from a loving and naughty girlfriend who knows who are naughty, goes out with you mates to bars etc and is cool about it to a wife who knows you are naughty and goes to bars with your mates and will not like it!

I had a girlfriend who was jealous of ex girlfriends I have before she was born. Now that was funny (well I thought it was but she took a very dim view of chuckles!)

This is why men can never really understand women am sure LOL.

Faithful is a big word, which with respect to all the "Old School" in Piper and Wicked is not muttered in the same breath. However it is possible to settle in Phils, and be faithful, but very difficult.

The more you walk around and try just to admire from afar, it is not easy. Just a wander round a mall or two. Life is hard.

Wicked thanks for reminding me that there is life in old age.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1507339]I had a girlfriend who was jealous of ex girlfriends I have before she was born. Now that was funny (well I thought it was but she took a very dim view of chuckles!)

This is why men can never really understand women am sure LOL.[/QUOTE]I've had the same problem WR. Just couldn't get over the fact that I had been with other women before meeting her. She kept telling me how unfair it was that I was "used goods" when she was fresh. But she loved how my past experiences could be used to teach her how to feel good while making me feel good at the same time. Hahaha We broke up in 2010 because she became a very jealous during video chats. Even though I spent almost all of my free time chatting with her, she started saying that she thought I had a new gf in my bedroom, even while we were chatting. Now she is sending me emails asking for us to get back together. I think about just writing her off as a past experience and enjoying my freedom with many other Filipinas. But then the memories of great sex with her sets in. I've got to figure out how some of these guys have a regular honey that allows them the freedom to monger also.

Enjoy the hobby!

HW

A Filipina "friend" on facebook posted this article about the health benefits of daily sex. I think it is a good basis for excusing charges of prostitution. Hahahaha.

[url]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=583310388388362&set=a.530638886988846.1073741827.427891673930235&type=1[/url]

Enjoy the read!

HW

[QUOTE=X Man; 1507109]Zippo, you lucky dog, I wish I could retire at 54. I haven't been to Chiang Mai, nor Columbia, so I don't have any enlightening information for you. But I think it's a great question and will create a lot of discussion here.

As for question 1, in Ac, it seems some of the long timers do hit the bars regularly. But they sit around and chat with themselves. I personally get bored with the place in less than a week.

If I was thinking about living in Philippines I might look at Cebu or Davao. Nevertheless, if you go to the Manila thread, you'll find several regular posters who seem to live and love the place.

Take a look at the Davao thread and peruse Good Enough's messages. He's not retired, but has a few years under his belt. He's landed on your number 2.

And when I visit Philippines I often meet guys who live in more remote places and seem to have created their own little utopia wherever they are. Different strokes for different folks.

X.[/QUOTE]Just a slight clarification regarding"landed on number 2." My partner and I have been together a long time, but she's a university graduate, never worked in any sort of bar, and was a realtor when I met her. As to the "few years under his belt" comment, it's true.

GE

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I was thinking of a couple who made it work. Thank you for the clarification. You should have skinned me alive.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1507628]Just a slight clarification regarding"landed on number 2." My partner and I have been together a long time, but she's a university graduate, never worked in any sort of bar, and was a realtor when I met her. As to the "few years under his belt" comment, it's true.

GE[/QUOTE]

My daughter is in the process of obtaining a visa to work as a nurse in Australia for a year. She will likely be in the Brisbane area. I expect that she will finally be approved and on her way in about March. 2014. I am planning to coordinate my next trip to the Philippines in about May and then carry on to visit her in Australia. I will buy a return seat sale ticket to Manila from Canada and am planning to go onward to Australia and then return to Manila for my return trip back to Canada.

My question is about the cost of flights. Am I better off to just buy the ticket in Canada or are there better and cheaper options Manila to Australia? From what I can see here it looks like the ticket will be in the $500 to $800 range. Are there better times of year to travel when the airlines tend to run specials. I know that the airlines there tend to throw out some crazy unannounced special prices from time to time.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Nut