General Info

[QUOTE=Camieleke;2048453]Hi Everybody,

Quiet some time I didnot post anything here but I did not really monger around.

I might go soon to the Philippines and like to prepare me a bit before I go there.

Are there other free datingsites than DIA (date in asia) where I can have a try to arrange something before I fly there?

Would be highly appreciated.

Take care everybody.[/QUOTE]Many to try. Filipinocupid, romancetale, christianfilipina, pilipinalove, asiandating, travelmate, idateasia, the list goes on and on. Good luck!

[QUOTE=Omega3;2048323]Today's issue of Cebu Sun Star (June 15) contains an interesting article with statistics related to expat retirement in the Phils.

The article cites retirement statistics as reported by the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) regarding the approximately 50,000 SRRVs (Special Resident Retirement Visas) issued by PRA during the past three decades, as follows:

1. 34% Chinese (mainland), with 17,768 SRRVs issued (question: shouldn't this percentage be 36%.

2. 21% Koreans, with 10,384.

3. 9% Taiwanese, with 4,524.

4. 8% Indians, with 3,991.

5. 7% Japanese, with 3,442.

Per the article, the remainder of the "top 10" was comprised of Americans, HK Chinese, British, Germans, and Australians.

These figures do not take into account the many expats who have effectively retired to the Phils, but who have not obtained SRRVs.

For those who might be interested, here is the link to the article, entitled "More Chinese Retire in the Philippines":

[URL]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2017/06/15/more-chinese-retire-philippines-547456[/URL]

Cheers!

OM.[/QUOTE]I visited the SRRV offices in Makati recently. Full of Chinese with their agents. Some people are doing good business.

Interestingly I had done a medical in China which I presented (having previously talked to a SRRV person who indicated this was fine) and was told " No we don't accept medicals from China, anymore. Too many fakes! ". Oh well so much for me having done this in the best International hospital in Beijing, which is 50 staffed by foreign doctors. . more and more Chinese seen on the streets of Makati every day. More and more Chinese seen in all the Airbnb apartments buildings that I use.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2048463]When I have previously extended a visa beyond one month, you pay a same day processing fee and you get your passport same day with a new visa. Just recently went to the Cebu office and was told the bureau has ceased same day processing you have to come back 3 days later to pick it up. I presume it is nationwide not just Cebu. If anyone has a different experience in Manila please advise as I will revert to using Manila in the future.[/QUOTE]It appears that in major cities the new policy stands. But have heard that in some outlying islands the express lane is still available. The caveat is BI has done away with the 1000 fee so renewal is cheaper. A little birdie told me that the BI office on Mactan still offers express service!

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;2048666]I visited the SRRV offices in Makati recently. Full of Chinese with their agents. Some people are doing good business.

Interestingly I had done a medical in China which I presented (having previously talked to a SRRV person who indicated this was fine) and was told " No we don't accept medicals from China, anymore. Too many fakes! ". Oh well so much for me having done this in the best International hospital in Beijing, which is 50 staffed by foreign doctors. . more and more Chinese seen on the streets of Makati every day. More and more Chinese seen in all the Airbnb apartments buildings that I use.[/QUOTE]Ha ha, good one Freebie. As distinguished from "fake" medicals from the Phils, which are acceptable?

I would speculate that the number of retirees and other visitors in Phils from China will increase exponentially this year and in years to come.

Just another sign of the evolving times.

OM.

Just saw the report that, hopefully starting from October 1 of this year, Philippine passport holders will enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 30 days. So, will or may be easier to visit Taiwan with Filipina asawa or GF. The effective date was originally to have been July 1, but was postponed. Hopefully, not to be postponed again. Currently, Taiwan e-visas for single entry stays up to 30 days are available on-line.

US and certain other PPT holders of course have enjoyed visa-free entry to Taiwan for many years now.

OM.

Hi guys, my little spinner comes from Isabela in Luzon.

Anyone live there or been in this area that can tell me what it's like?

Thanks.

[QUOTE=Shazzam;2048749]Hi guys, my little spinner comes from Isabela in Luzon.

Anyone live there or been in this area that can tell me what it's like?

Thanks.[/QUOTE]I sent you a PM Shazz.

[QUOTE=Camieleke;2048453]
Are there other free datingsites than DIA (date in asia) where I can have a try to arrange something before I fly there?
[/QUOTE]Just choose one site and work it. Sames girls different sites, so you only need one site.

Greetings,

I am thinking about making a 4th trip to Phil. For a summary, The first time, I went to Manila, then Cebu, then Davao. The first time, I went to Manila, Cebu, Davao, then back to Cebu, then to Manila I planned on meeting a non pro in each city. If I like them, I might repeat, find another one on the return, or find working girls. The first trip I spent a few days near LA cafe, then to Makati where I met a Cupid Non Pro that I had been chatting with. We hit it off, so I spent two days with her, then on to Cebu. I was worn out from the Cupid girl, so in Cebu, just chilled at the hotel and hit up Mango Ave. In Davao, I met another Cupid and we spent a couple of nights together. Back to Cebu, no cupid girls, then back to Makati. I met my Cupid Girl for one more night, then back home. I chatted up the Cupid girl for the next 6 months. I made a return trip to Manila to see her, but spent time in Japan and around LA Cafe before meeting her in Makati. She had starting acting a little strange before this trip, but I planned on taking her to Boracay. Even thought she wasn't quite the same, I we still had sex a couple of times a day. I made a return to Japan, then back home. We had a few chats, then haven't heard from her in a while.

I made one more trip, I didn't see any dating site girls, just LA Cafe area, Makati, and Subic.

Anyway, I may have two weeks to spend, and would like to know what you would suggest. I am sure I would spend a few days in Manila. I tend to have more favorites on FC from Cebu. And I would like to be around the beach more. I don't want to spend too much time traveling around. Any thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

I found this story in the Star a few days ago. I'm posting it here since the "Living in the Phils" thread is relegated to the low readership threads "down below the fold".

" Foreign retirees can now join PhilHealth.

By Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star).

Updated June 18,2017 - 12:00 am.

MANILA, Philippines. Starting July 1, foreigners and former Filipino citizens who have chosen to retire in the Philippines may enroll in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

In a statement, PhilHealth said the new policy is based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) the agency signed with the Philippine Retirement Authority in 2015.

Under the MOU, qualified foreign retirees registered with the PRA or former Filipinos may become PhilHealth members under the informal economy member category to gain access to medical care services in the country.

Interested foreign retirees may submit PhilHealth member registration forms for foreign nationals to the PRA, which will facilitate their enrolment into the National Health Insurance Program.

The requirements for their enrolment are their special resident retiree's visa and documents indicating they have been granted permanent residency status.

Excluded from the foreign retirees' benefits are the Z benefit package, meant for health conditions that require prolonged hospitalization and expensive treatments; reimbursement for all confinements abroad and benefits for women about to give birth.

Nation (Article MRec), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1.

The annual premium contribution rate for PRA foreign retirees is P15,000 while that of other foreign citizens is P17,000. ".

A brief web search showed that this proposal has been kicking around for a couple years. Can anybody among the ExPats shed some light? Benefits, tradeoffs, limitations? Thanks in advance to anybody willing to fill in details.

[QUOTE=SoapySmith;2050645]<SNIP>

Nation (Article MRec), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1.

The annual premium contribution rate for PRA foreign retirees is P15,000 while that of other foreign citizens is P17,000. ".

A brief web search showed that this proposal has been kicking around for a couple years. Can anybody among the ExPats shed some light? Benefits, tradeoffs, limitations? Thanks in advance to anybody willing to fill in details.[/QUOTE]The benefits for filipinos from PhilHealth are very limited, so the same holds for foreigners.

My wife is a member of PhilHealth but I still have a substantial alternative health cover for her.

The exclusions listed for foreigners also should temper any reader's excitement that they are now "covered" for health care in the Phils.

As I have said many times before on this site- make sure that if you plan to resettle or retire here that you make sure you have adequate health care at an international level.

As seen recently. P50.25 on the USD. Anyone getting higher?

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2051043]As seen recently. P50.25 on the USD. Anyone getting higher?[/QUOTE]Official ratée as of a minute ago was 50.36 so 50.25 is pretty good.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;2051106]Official rate as of a minute ago was 50.36 so 50.25 is pretty good.[/QUOTE]As of 13:00 EDT the rate is 50.22. Of course this is the rate for large transactions. Your rate can most likely be lower unless there is a black market demand for $$.

I usually am ok with 1/2 to 1% spread depending on the need and amount of conversion.

Since you've been around the block a few times, I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, or why. So, I'll just throw a few things out there.

If you have a gal that you feel comfortable traveling with, then there are many options from Cebu City (see Cebu thread). Using Ocean jet or other services you can get to Bohol (white sand at Alona Beach, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River, etc). I've gone to Dumaguete (Dauin, Apo Island, snorkeling) using ferry and bus. You can get to Ormoc, Leyte, although the beaches aren't so great near the city. Islands on my bucket list: Siquior, Camotes.

From Cebu city go north on the island to find Malapasqua or Bantayan Island or south to Oslob (whale watching, beautiful waterfall) or Moalboal. On the south tip of Cebu Island there is a short ferry ride across to Dumaguete port.

Picture: Malapasqua at sunset. X Man.

[QUOTE=George03;2049397]Greetings,

SNIP

Anyway, I may have two weeks to spend, and would like to know what you would suggest. I am sure I would spend a few days in Manila. I tend to have more favorites on FC from Cebu. And I would like to be around the beach more. I don't want to spend too much time traveling around. Any thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.[/QUOTE]