Are there any careers for expat welding engineers in Philippines ?

         Soccer takes up a lot of space and would be played under the sun, same for baseball.  Most of the barangays in Ilocos Sur have a basketball court under a roof, still gets very hot.  The courts are also used for other social events, I have attended 3 wedding receptions on the converted basketball courts.  They also play some volleyball, and when rice was distributed during the pandemic, the court was the distribution point.  Many take the basketball league seriously, there are highlights on tv of the national league.

          Please tell us  Mark where you intend to settle down in the Philippines. That is, to stay on topic, where will you be living while searching for these welding gigs?  Do you intend to live close to your lady love's family?

Basketball is big here in all the Barangays, been to many matches and cheered/sobbed and those courts wisely serve multiple purposes as mugteck mentioned social gatherings, sometimes rice, other times a car park or even local markets and a fantastic use of a big chunk of concrete for the community. Very much unlike  western thinking and a bit of turf set for one purpose. Pity this can't come to all levels of life and living here.

Cheers, Steve.

              The only basketball I see in the Philippines is the NBA on tv.  Never attended never intend to attend a cock fight.  Also do not gamble in any form, so I don't really care about any of this.  Would not mind if all the LRQB (Lower Rock Quarry Barangay) rosters took up cock fighting and lost.
   

    -@mugteck

🤣

markhamilton6100 joined Expat.com on Nov 22, 2023 under the heading of: American looking for information about Indonesia and posted on that forum the same question he asked on this forum.

A month later Mark said he met a woman with a heart of gold. Maybe that woman found an American with the heart of an ATM.

I suggest Mark, weld a rebar cage around your wallet.

@Enzyte Bob

Hey Bob,

As far as Indonesia, I was speaking to an Indonesian girl at the time but that was shortlived.

The weird thing about my girl is that shes so shy she wont ask me for anything. Shes content with her job, family, and simple life. Ive asked her multiple times what she likes and she simply states she has everything save your money when you come here. I would gladly be her ATM one day in the future.

Shes also very respectful and we haven't argued one day since Ive met her. Shes the total opposite of your modern American girl and I feel like I hit the jackpot. Cha-Ching!

@mugteck

A question that I ponder daily. She says she will live anywhere. Her folks live in Marikina Heights. Her brother lives in Cavite. Im searching both places for property. It appears there is less traffic in Cavite.

As far as welding gigs, Im going to knock out another year of schooling in the US for my Bachelors and will be seeking work in the Oil & Gas industry. I heard it pays extremely well. I would have to travel for work and stay abroad for awhile which is what Im used to already.

           The usual expat advice for anywhere in the world is rent for a year before you buy a house.  In the Philippines you cannot as a foreigner own land, there are certain condos where you could own a unit.  These spots must have more than 50% Filipino ownership.  It takes 10 years to become a citizen of the Philippines, at which time you would have to renounce your US citizenship.  Filipinos can be duel citizens by starting as Filipino citizens, becoming U S citizens, and then going to a local Philippines consulate to get the paperwork saying they are both.  My wife carries the paperwork with her, travels with a US passport, and if I arrive in the country with her I can stay for a year without dealing with immigration in the Philippines.  The day I arrive my passport is stamped one year from that date with  bb under the date, giving me balikbayan status.  If we leave to visit Hong Kong or Singapore for a few days, as long as I reenter with my wife I get a new full year in the Philippines.

@markhamilton6100

I don't want to sound cynical but,,,,,, from what I read you have been chatting to this lovely lady for what? 4/6 weeks? You have never been to the Philippines to meet your lady with a heart of gold?

You are already looking for a job, a place to live? I would suggest to invest a few bucks and get yourself here and meet your lady, taste the flavours with all the ups and downs, at least a month to begin with and then reevaluate.

Good luck Mark with your choices.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

You’re right I should taste the flavors first. Sounds like great advise. I’ll take it. Thanks Steve.

@mugteck

Thank I did not know that. Would it be better to marry her in the US or the Philippines?

markhamilton6100 said . . . .The weird thing about my girl is that shes so shy she wont ask me for anything.

_________________________________________________

I would gladly be her ATM one day in the future.

_________________________________________________
Shes also very respectful and we haven't argued one day since Ive met her.

*************************

Yes Filipinas don't have to ask for anything because their online boyfriends volunteer  money and stumble over themselves running to the ATM & then Western Union.

How long have you known her?

Have you met her in person? 

Is this an online friendship?

What is your age? How many years till you retire?

    @mugteck
Thank I did not know that. Would it be better to marry her in the US or the Philippines?
   

    -@markhamilton6100

Perhaps meet her first Mark, don't put the cart before the horse so to speak. Small steps to begin with. Marriage and you haven't met? Dangerous and then some.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

@Enzyte Bob

Ive known her for over a month through an online dating website called CDFF.  No Ive never met her in person. Im 47 never married no kids. Shes 42 and has never been married and no kids.We both left that site after 2 days of communication and have promised not to reenter any more dating websites.

She introduced me to her dad, mom, sister’s family, brother, nephew via Skype all on Christmas day. They were very friendly playing this game where they kept repeating something and laughing.  They were celebrating by drinking wine/dancing and singing karaoke. They were having a great time.

I know what your saying Bob, dont make any mistakes. Since Ive met this girl I just felt the strong urge to take a chance and go for it. I appreciate the advice and I will try to think more practically instead of living in a fantasyland.

CDFF also stands for Cash Dispensing Foreign Fool

Love. lust. infatuation. Thinking with the wrong head has tumbled many a good man and woman.

After a month of chatting you are ready to tie the knot and never met,,,,,, sounds like Russian brides.

As said take a month or more off work/study, spend 8/10 grand and meet, I'm sure most here would agree that is very cheap insurance for potential mistakes/accidents.

Given you are looking at contract welding, employment in foreign countries where you may not see your lady for 6/12 months? Have you discussed that with her?

Another question and other members can attest to this question. Are you sure she is not married or has children? Have you two talked about having your own children and remember your ages?

I think the topic is exhausted until you two meet.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

I think I’ll meet her first and then go from there. It appears many have lost in this cruel battle. I dont have time  nor extra money to waste. Thanks for the sound advice mate.

Cheers Steve!

@Cherryann01

Sounds like you got burned one too many times. Care to share your story of how you lost your lifes savings.

    @mugteck
Thank I did not know that. Would it be better to marry her in the US or the Philippines?
   

    -@markhamilton6100

It would have the same effect as far as balikbayan status goes.  Right now it takes about 2 years from the time your girl and you apply for a spousal visa to get her in the USA, provided you got married in the Philippines.   If you apply for a fiancee visa it takes a little less time, but then she would have to get married in the USA within 90 days of receiving the visa.  Either way plenty of time involved, since you must return to the USA to file, provide them with all kinds of info including 3 years of income tax returns.

          If you marry her in the Philippines you will need to go to the US embassy to get paperwork which proclaims you are eligible to marry.  In my case I showed them a notarized copy of my divorce decree.  My friend produced his exwife's death certificate.

           Back in 1994 when I met to marry my penal of over two years, we both brought some of the letters we had exchanged.  You might want to start collecting something that shows a long and continuing friendship.

            More than likely your girl would prefer to marry in the Philippines  with her friends and family present.  Does she attend church regularly?  This would also be part of the equation.  My wife and I were both Catholics, so that part was easy.

             I realize it has not been that long since you have known her and talk of marriage is premature.  But it is good to know the rules of the game before you decide to play.  My wife and I were married in November of 1994, I returned to the USA in December of 1994 and filed for the spousal visa.  In June of 1995 I received a notice that they were starting to process my request.  My wife received her visa in November 1995 and arrived in the USA in December of 1995.

           Even if you financed her efforts, it would not be a good idea for her to try for a tourist visa to the USA.  Young, beautiful Filipinas can get a tourist visa, but then be denied boarding at the airport.  The usual reason is sex trafficking or sex abuse, but it happens all the time.

Good luck.

markhamilton6100 said to Cherryann01. . . . Sounds like you got burned one too many times. Care to share your story of how you lost your lifes savings.

*******************

Mark if you had Cherryann01's money/savings you could burn yours.

Also you mentioned your woman with the Heart of Gold has never been married "The reason is Filipinos never get married".

Hearts of Gold in the Philippines is really  pockets full of Pyrite.

@mugteck

Wow! Thats a lot of information. You have to go through the gauntlet to get married overseas. Yea shes Catholic as well. So if I attempt to bring her to America she can be denied because of sex trafficking? Thats insane man. This is harder than I thought.

@Enzyte Bob

Pockets of pyrite….interesting. So it sounds like most or nearly all American men are throwing their life savings and the kitchen sink at these women constantly. Yeah I dont wish that on any man who gets swindled by a scam artist, gold digger or whatever.

I haven’t been in a relationship in over two years and I feel like everyone's competing for the same woman, or the good ones are taken, and the divorce rate here is through the roof in the US.

Im starting to see the big picture through the groups experience first hand. Houston we have a problem and its either a scam or a match made in heaven.

          She would only have problems if using a tourist visa, if she comes to USA with a spousal or fiancee visa, she would not be stopped at the airport, once she has a special visa she is good to go.

Got it. So the spousal visa is safer. Thanks Mugtech for this valuable information.

@markhamilton6100

I met my wife in a month on a dating site. We g I t off the site shortly and videos over Skype constantly.

Then I went over there about 4 months later for 3 weeks. We traveled together for about 9 days. Then spent time with her family until I returned. We continued to remain in constant contact daily. Until I went back 9 months later for 4 months. We lived together and then I returned and processed the fiance visa.

If she was under 35 I might not have been as fortunate as to be happier than when I met her (5 happy years). Most of the guys I have met who married young wives, the became amercan-ized after a few years.

I think as long as you keep your head it can work out fine. My wife provides support for her mother and a little money to her adult children and grandchildren on holidays. But overall she doesn't do much style of supporting everyone.

I did not find much for employment because they work cheaper and the hassle to get a work visa ..... who could afford to hire me..

I also did not want to marry there since Phillipines has no divorce. If she was not happy the annulment process is troublesome. Also, being here with a good wife changes ones perspective. At year 5 she is really adapting. Great job at a great company but she refuses to adapt the popular images and philosophies about relationships and roles.

She says you really do not get to know someone until you live under the same roof....lol.

The best to you.

    CDFF also stands for Cash Dispensing Foreign Fool
   

    -@Cherryann01

Interesting observation Cherryann. I thought it was the Candypop Dating For Fun agency

@markhamilton6100

She introduced me to her dad, mom, sister's family, brother, nephew via Skype all on Christmas day. They were very friendly playing this game where they kept repeating something and laughing.  They were celebrating by drinking wine/dancing and singing karaoke. They were having a great time.

So would you Mark if you'd just won the lottery

I think Mark (OP) that you get the general drift from those that have been there and now live here and have seen all this before.

It's easy to be infatuated but smarter to take baby steps.

I chatted to my better half for 5/6 months online before we met, rented an apartment for 6 weeks and while he went to work I lurked the streets of Manila and learnt. Then We leased a Condo for 12 months closer to his work. 13 years on we are still together but I went slowly as did he in the beginning. Look, learn, love or hate but not in 4 or 6 weeks.

He lived and worked in Oz for 6 years before I/we retired back here. Getting the pennies in order as well as learning.

Slowly the wheels turn Mark, don't rush it and good luck.

Cheers, Steve.

@vanvalenmikevan

Thank you for the optimistic response and a clearer understanding on how to handle this. This is an encouraging response instead of simply stating a one liner filled with bitterness of failed attempts at love.

Traveling and adventure for a good couple weeks away from her unknown and mine is perfect. Then meet the family. So you went back later and applied for the spousal visa after you knew it was on.

Obviously by that time there weren’t any red flags in your relationship. Now you’re happy as ever instead of sulking over what coulda’ shoulda’ happened.

I appreciate your response. Thank you.

@bigpearl

Baby steps to the Philippines and getting to know someone along the journey. Yea I get the drift. Thanks for the response Steve.

    @bigpearl
Baby steps to the Philippines and getting to know someone along the journey. Yea I get the drift. Thanks for the response Steve.
   

    -@markhamilton6100

Come and meet her Mark, the answers will come but as said I doubt there is a reason to continue this thread as you see the stories, the failures and the triumphs, that needs to be accomplished in person.

Let us know when you meet personally and then your thoughts.

Cheers, Steve.

Mark - I am sorry if my short response was a little blunt but it was not aimed at you, just a general summing up of what can go wrong and I did not lose my life savings over there.

I am not going to go into much details although if you want to send me a private message I would be willing to share my experiences with you and one of them is a real beauty involving, lies, deceit, the birth of a baby, gambling problems, the loan of money (not from me), a husband who suddenly popped up and a fake suicide scam. All this from a woman I met online and visited on two occasions in the Philippines. There have been other women but I just encountered the usual things like inviting a couple of family members to go swimming and a Jeepney full of people turning up outside my hotel and of course I ended up paying for them all.

I am just trying to point out that you need to meet your lady several times before rushing into marriage and ideally be over there on a full time basis when you do. It is not just the woman you meet who might place demands for money on you but her family and friends also. By all means go see her but please forget the marriage thing for now.

I have been chatting to a young lady from the Philippines for just over a year now and hopefully will go out to see her soon for a few weeks. Circumstances meant I could not go before but this young lady, unlike others has never messaged me with the usual I Love You which is encouraging. She seems to have a sensible head on her shoulders and although she admits to wanting a serious relationship she is sensible enough to say - let us meet and spend time together first and then see if we are compatible and if the spark is there.

Well said Cherryann, seems you learnt like the rest of us, been there.

Cheers, Steve.

    Well said Cherryann, seems you learnt like the rest of us, been there.
Cheers, Steve.
   

    -@bigpearl

It took time Steve but I got there in the end and without loosing a heap of cash.  I have always been prepared to walk away from any relationship over there if needed and I have had to do so more than once.

@Cherryann01

Wow! That sounded like the Nightmare on Elm Street. Thanks for clarifying. No your in the right as your only stating the obvious just so that I or other newbies dont fall into a similar trap.

Again thank for sharing and this was a real eye opener. I wish you the best on your new relationship.

    @Cherryann01
Wow! That sounded like the Nightmare on Elm Street. Thanks for clarifying. No your in the right as your only stating the obvious just so that I or other newbies dont fall into a similar trap.
Again thank for sharing and this was a real eye opener. I wish you the best on your new relationship.
   

    -@markhamilton6100

Thank you very much Mark for your kind words and good luck to you also.

@Cherryann01

Thank you very much Mark for your kind words and good luck to you also.

You,re gonna need it.

There has been many testimonials posted on this forum about successful meetings online and years of happiness. But, but the average divorce happens around "eight"  years of marriage in the US.

The rate varies by Age, Education & Ethnicity.

Age: June/December

Education: First World/Province

Ethnicity: Difference in Cultures.

Since marriage in the Philippines is seldom, parting of the ways is probably less than eight years.

@Enzyte Bob

They used to call it the ‘7 year itch’ Bob so things must be looking up - another years grace before the alimony payments kick in Stateside.

The number of budding expats that come over to the Philippines and get burned is difficult to quantify as naturally no official statistics are available. A cerebral Norwegian/American vlogger suggests 80% of foreigners arriving in Dumaguete are gone within 12 months. The main reasons are running out of dosh and a personal relationship ending. Often the two are interconnected.

My guess is the average ‘divorce’, perhaps separation is a better word, happens within 1 year from my observations and vloggers comments. There are a multlitude of ancillary reasons for this that blend with the two above.

Jim Rockford (our favourite PI) used the word ‘mark’. This is as true today as it was back in the 70’s. Most of the seasoned contributors to this Forum know the game. Dumaguete for example has a number of ‘professional’ dating Filipina’s who will meet their ‘mark’ (no pun intended Mark) at the airport. Just imagine the foreigner hearing this online from a raven haired pouting beauty 30 years his junior. The male black widow spider enters it’s mates web.

I only had to read a selection of the OP’s naive gullible intentions before I figured him out as a mark, figuratively and literally. Better to be frank.

Of course the successful ‘testimonials’ will always outweigh the ‘I’ve been shafted’ ones.

I’m sure that once this thread has closed we shall never hear from the OP again.