smith041480

63, from Wisconsin in the USA, planning on building a house or buying condo or apartment in the Philippines with my Filipino girlfriend who currently lives and works in Spain. She is from Eastern Samar, Borongan City. We found a 1200 sq foot lot for $30,000 on which to build house on located 10 miles west of the city in a smaller suburb. Also, ocean lot 1000 sq ft for $70,000. Plan on living in Phils yearly from Nov through April or May with possibility of living there year long as I get older. I heard Samar is in the direct path of typhoon alley whereas if I buy and live closer to the Equator, say by Davao City, hurricanes are much less damaging and outside main path. I enjoy solitude yet like to have nearby access to city amenities. I enjoy riding my bike daily, walks, the beach, and the mountains. I am from Wisconsin so I am not a big fan of hot weather however I can acclimate. That is why I was thinking about Baguio City in the north or similar cooler areas but since then I have found out that they are in the typhoon alley belt. I am financially secure and an Army vet with former career in the pharmaceutical industry (manufacturing, technical support, quality, and post market product surveillance). Any hints, ideas, suggestions from fellow Americans living in the Phils would be much appreciated. My name is Joe.