Every Man Has a Story

bigpearl said to Jackson4 . . . No luck involved, hard work and wise decisions.

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Luck shapes everyone's life, it's the unseen luck that is involved.

For example maybe 10 generations ago, some person in your lineage said not tonight, I'm tired.

In everyone's lineage, at the time of inception 40 million to 1.2 billion sperm cells are chasing one egg.

So lucky you, several trillion to one shot, you made it to this Forum.

Interesting way to look at it Bob, I don't see any luck in procreation, you are here or you are not. Luck is for casinos and the odds are stacked against you.

Luck? I call that opportunity and it's up to the individual to grab the bull by the horns or walk away, choice.

Said it earlier I made plenty of mistakes in my younger years and luck never reared its ugly head, wiser these days and never relied on luck all my life, hard work and wise choices.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Ok so maybe if this guy had been in the US, his chances of survival may have been better at a US hospital but would he have got there quickly. My bet is that he would be living alone in a small apartment and would have died of the stoke all alone and his body may have not been found for days. At least he had a live in partner in the Philippines to make sure he got to the hospital.

Yes Cherry, when your numbers up as they say here, "that's it pancit".

If a bad stroke maybe it's better to move on, I remember the years it took to get my dad back on track after he had a major stroke and at times I think the only thing that kept him going was the fact that his kids were there caring for him and while all in our own ways he gained the will to battle on, by himself? Who knows.

End of the day we all have a given time on this our earth.

He died 6 years later with an aneurism of the aorta, very sadly missed.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said . . . End of the day we all have a given time on this our earth.

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To add to that, something I haven't figured out.

When flight 370 disappeared how was it arrange that 239 people were gathered together having their given time on this earth end?

Come on Bob, and the 80 million people killed in WW2? The billions that have moved on since man arose? Fair or foul means we all have an expiry date.

To all members and readers we here wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year, enjoy.

Cheers, Steve.

@Jackson4
It's great to communicate with song lyrics once in a while. In this from the old 1973 song by the Persuaders. - @danfinn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=deskt … 3NWbvFsBVo

bigpearl said . . . End of the day we all have a given time on this our earth.
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To add to that, something I haven't figured out.
When flight 370 disappeared how was it arrange that 239 people were gathered together having their given time on this earth end? - @Enzyte Bob

This is getting to sound like the film (Final Destination). Just the luck of the draw Bob.

In 1998 a Swiss professional tennis player called Marc Rosset lost in the 1st round of the US Open but decided to stay on for another day to practice and changed his flight. His original flight crashed killing over 200 people.

@mugtech

Maybe you folks who can't handle the truth ought to go elsewhere.  What gives you the right to decide what does or does not get posted here?

Don't really understand what you mean by that.........."right?" just saying an opinion. Sorry if you didn't like it.

@mugtech
Maybe you folks who can't handle the truth ought to go elsewhere. What gives you the right to decide what does or does not get posted here?
Don't really understand what you mean by that.........."right?" just saying an opinion. Sorry if you didn't like it. - @stuleer

I like to know everything, good and bad, pros and cons and some of the stuff I would just say is different and not really a positive or negative. The weather here in the UK during winter is not to my liking and I feel the cold more now. If I was in the Philippines, I would struggle a bit with the heat during certain months. Not good or bad just different and something that takes a little time to adjust to.

bigpearl said . . . End of the day we all have a given time on this our earth.********************************To add to that, something I haven't figured out.When flight 370 disappeared how was it arrange that 239 people were gathered together having their given time on this earth end? - @Enzyte Bob This is getting to sound like the film (Final Destination). Just the luck of the draw Bob.In 1998 a Swiss professional tennis player called Marc Rosset lost in the 1st round of the US Open but decided to stay on for another day to practice and changed his flight. His original flight crashed killing over 200 people. - @Cherryann01

When flight 370 disappeared

The search is back on apparently. The Malaysian govt have offered a $70,000,000 finders fee. For two pins I'd  change my name to Thomas Banacek and offer 10%

Cherryann01 said . . . . This is getting to sound like the film (Final Destination). Just the luck of the draw Bob.In 1998 a Swiss professional tennis player called Marc Rosset lost in the 1st round of the US Open but decided to stay on for another day to practice and changed his flight. His original flight crashed killing over 200 people.

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Actually the point I was trying to make "The Higher Power" if you believe in a Higher Power, has destiny planned for all us mortals. That is what some religions believe.

So this higher power has predetermined 239 souls on flight MH370 life will end. So if it was predetermined, it wasn't a last minute thought. As some believe This Higher Power is perfect and knows everything and all from the time you're born.

Seeing these souls were from all walks of life, ages, different nationalities and beliefs. It must have been a real logistical chore to bring these predetermined souls together on that faithful day.

My Grandmother never flew and always took the train. I asked her why and she said when it's the Pilots time, I don't want it to be my time.

Yes Bob but there is a co-pilot and what's to stop the train driver dying and missing a red light or being a passenger in a car when the driver dies.

Cherryann01 said . . . . Yes Bob but there is a co-pilot and what's to stop the train driver dying and missing a red light or being a passenger in a car when the driver dies.

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Where was the co-pilot in flight MH370?

       The finite cannot fathom the infinite.

Cherryann01 said . . . . Yes Bob but there is a co-pilot and what's to stop the train driver dying and missing a red light or being a passenger in a car when the driver dies.
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Where was the co-pilot in flight MH370? - @Enzyte Bob

Probably taking a piss Bob. The pilot then locked him out the cockpit.

@Jackson4

Well said, I would add one thing.  When my health gets so bad that I need Western healthcare to keep me alive, perhaps I don't want to be alive anymore and will just be grateful for the many years I have had including the later years living in the Philippines surrounded by friendly people, great weather, and a life quality better than what I would have in Canada.  (FYI, Canadian healthcare is "free" if you don't think about the high taxes and it is not healthcare but rather free access to waiting lines hoping you get the care before you die.)

@AlbertaDonuts

will just be grateful for the many years I have had including the later years living in the Philippines surrounded by friendly people

There are many reasons why people move to a foreign country. Sometimes by necessity (job posting/spouse) but more often by design in that they are not happy and content in their current abode.

For a good portion of expats the Philippines is the right fit resulting in a happy state of mind which I'm convinced in itself extends life expectancy. When the grim reaper finally calls those expats will have a smile on their face.

Have you seen the video posted to Mark Thomas site by his wife and Greg of "Building the Philippines with Wilma and Greg?  There is some good advice and a great example that Mark left for all of us.

He had a folder with all the documents and preparations for when he was in an emergency and needed to go to the hospital.  Not only does this make it easier on your partner and friends, it helps ensure you will get the best possible treatment without delay.  I have been lax at making these arrangements, but I am doing it now.

As for his wife and son, that is his business and not mine.  They appear to be a happy family and that is what we all want.  My only comment would be I was pleased to hear he was working to give his son US citizenship to provide options and opportunity for his future. 

May we all have a great life here in the Philippines and when our time comes may it be peaceful and painless for all involved. 

Make everyday a great day,

Donald

My two cents

I recently went back to the Gold Coast to have a knee replacement.

It was bone on bone for years, very debilitating. In Australia a knee replacement is free on a waitlist. Living in Pinas helps the wait the time ride out.There is no way I would let them touch me here.

I have had many a conversation with Xpats from where ever and it always helps having a back up when it comes to ones health, especially here in SEA.

If you become very sick to a point of terminal and you are in Pinas its a death nail.

Phillipines heart centre and St Lukes would be fine possibly but you need your insurance thats for sure or go broke.

Never give up your medicals in your respective countries.

Australia has an outstanding medical fraternity, one of the best in the world for anything.

I have a mate from the states and it's somehow cheaper for him to fly to Aussie and pay for services than it is in the US. He has his reasons so I dont know about the states so much, but he did not give it a thumbs up.

Actually, while we are on the subject matter, what is the best health insurance in Pinas currently 2025 ???????

@WHITE ASIAN

Self insure and PhilHealth, little else if you live here. Many posts on the health insurance debacle here and other sites,,,,, the older you get becomes more expensive.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Our recent visit at Makati Medical Hospital emergency department (Dec. 21, 2024) cost us USD 240 full pay, no insurance of any kind. That's less than the copay in the US with in-network hospital.

So, Steve is spot-on: self-insurance and PhilHealth will work very well unless you have more serious illness that will require higher degree specialists and care.

An expat here had laparoscopic hernia surgery in Dumaguete for P120 k.  Took 2 days from contacting the cotactimg the doc till surgery.  Back in Canada I have been on a waitlist for the same procedure for 9 months.  Likely will get the surgery in 6 more months.  So for "free" I get to avoid all lifting an significant activity which deteriorate my general health waiting for a simple procedure.

Got to love Canadian healthcare writing lists.  My future treatments will be here or a quick trip to Bangkok.

Wishing everyone good health and good spirits.

Donald

Have you seen the video posted to Mark Thomas site by his wife and Greg of "Building the Philippines with Wilma and Greg? There is some good advice and a great example that Mark left for all of us.
He had a folder with all the documents and preparations for when he was in an emergency and needed to go to the hospital. Not only does this make it easier on your partner and friends, it helps ensure you will get the best possible treatment without delay. I have been lax at making these arrangements, but I am doing it now.

As for his wife and son, that is his business and not mine. They appear to be a happy family and that is what we all want. My only comment would be I was pleased to hear he was working to give his son US citizenship to provide options and opportunity for his future.

May we all have a great life here in the Philippines and when our time comes may it be peaceful and painless for all involved.

Make everyday a great day,

Donald

My two cents - @AlbertaDonuts

It looks like Thornton did a good job in leaving information for his very young Filipina wife and their son. I agree and it goes eithout saying that we should  ensure that family, friends or as in Thornton's case, a folder, are in place to ensure that arrangements for the survivors' futures are properly handled. Ensuring survivors' financial resources and handling the paperwork are both important. It appears Mark handled both well.

Interesting Donald, I gather you are on the public system in Canada? We had private health care in Australia and when it was revealed that I had multiple hernias in the groin, 3 one side and 2 the other side was whacked into a private hospital within a week, 2 x 3 inch cuts on my waste line, 2 days in hospital with the as normal horrible food and no bill, all covered by my insurance. The same when I had surgery on my knees some years earlier, no cost.

I have posted much here on self insurance for health care and a no brainer for me, others might be different but since dumping my private health cover in Australia and finalizing my taxation and no Medicare we have saved some AU 60K in 6 years less the AU 610 bucks we pay for PhilHealth every year and knocks about 30% of the hospital bill when you land in a private hospital bed, admitted. Even then the bill is not expensive when you walk out.

As per the topic we all have stories here and what works for one may not work for the next guy. Choice.

Cheers, Steve.

Medibank at $35 a month in Australia, I get glasses and 2 dental cleans a year. Works out about even.

I know there are other threads fair enough...this is an email I have just received....

Are you boys on the plans below too have received the benefits to which you are referring ?

Hello Daniel,

I hope you are well. Thank you for your interest. I have lived in the Philippines for 4 years now after 35 years in the insurance industry. I endeavor to make the process of acquiring health insurance a little less frustrating for expats. You may count on me being around should a claim arise.

I have attached the information brochures from Pacific Cross. The Select plan is their peso plan and the Blue Royale is their USD plan. There are plans also available foe 66 and up.

The Select Plus peso plan is 60,511 annually for a 1,500,000 annual benefit limit.

The Blue Royale USD plan with a $2,500 deductible and a $500,000 USD limit is $1,632 annually. This includes the 25% discount for treatment area limitation which excludes treatment in Canada; United States of America, its dependent territories, and the Caribbean Islands; Japan; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong and Singapore. I have also applied a 30% discount for a $2,500 deductible. However, you may choose a zero, $1,000 or $5,000 deductible.

My research shows that Pacific Cross has a great reputation when it comes to paying claims. This is the consensus of the expat community and my extensive research of the insurance industry in the Philippines. They also have the most extensive network of excellent hospitals and clinics in the industry. The plans include an access card for hassle free check in. Pacific Cross settles directly with the hospital.

Pacific Cross will not decline you under any circumstances, however, to determine precisely what they will offer in your specific circumstances we need to apply. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Please review and let me know if you would like to apply or have a video call sometime.

Best Regards,

Michael Onstad

President

LOC Consultants Inc.

@WHITE ASIAN

Not sure if we are on the same page but my government medical insurance (mandatory) and taken from your taxes, used to be a 1.5% surcharge but I believe now 2% so when I was paying 20 to 30K in taxes while working in Oz it was not AU 35 bucks a month but based on the taxes you paid for that year and sure you could get AU 150 off your prescription glasses,,,,, thrilling and if you needed something serious? Get inline and wait a year or 3.

A stupid system and we were plowing 2/3 K a year into it,,,,,,, an extra 6 or 7K per year got private health cover,,,,, not 35 bucks a month.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Interesting Donald, I gather you are on the public system in Canada? We had private health care in Australia and when it was revealed that I had multiple hernias in the groin, 3 one side and 2 the other side was whacked into a private hospital within a week, 2 x 3 inch cuts on my waste line, 2 days in hospital with the as normal horrible food and no bill, all covered by my insurance. The same when I had surgery on my knees some years earlier, no cost.
I have posted much here on self insurance for health care and a no brainer for me, others might be different but since dumping my private health cover in Australia and finalizing my taxation and no Medicare we have saved some AU 60K in 6 years less the AU 610 bucks we pay for PhilHealth every year and knocks about 30% of the hospital bill when you land in a private hospital bed, admitted. Even then the bill is not expensive when you walk out.
As per the topic we all have stories here and what works for one may not work for the next guy. Choice.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

There is no private healthcare in Canada, there was for a short time but it was deemed illegal and companies forced out of business so we all get the same bad healthcare unless you are connected and can jump the que.  Canada's system is great for having babies or a heart attack but for most things, like cancer treatme t, get in line and hope you don't die before you get seen by a doctor.   Btw, no wait for the same hernia treatment 30 years ago.  Progress, ha.

Donald

AlbertaDonuts said . . .
There is no private healthcare in Canada, there was for a short time but it was deemed illegal and companies forced out of business so we all get the same bad healthcare unless you are connected and can jump the que. Canada's system is great for having babies or a heart attack but for most things, like cancer treatme t, get in line and hope you don't die before you get seen by a doctor. Btw, no wait for the same hernia treatment 30 years ago. Progress, ha.
Donald

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Canadians that can afford out of pocket expenses come to the states for treatment.

On the other hand Americans go to Mexico for treatments.

When it comes to prescription medicines Americans go to Canada or Mexico for their scripts.

Americans in the Philippines pay through the nose for their prescriptions if the Pharmacy has any.

@Enzyte Bob

Americans in the Philippines pay through the nose for their prescriptions if the Pharmacy has any.

It is hard to compare Phils vs US. Last time I was in the US I temporarily joined medicare party D at $0 monthly premium. That option existed last year, check it at medicare.gov. Why not? It cost nothing to join. And I found it paid 100% of 3 scripts I had. But then there were 2 drugs, **** and ####. **** in the USA cost $800.00 month for 2X daily dise x 30 days. With part D, that becomes $200.00 after a one time $800 deductible. In the Philippines with no insurance it Cosy 6000 php or around $100.00 for the exact same **** similar to Canada's price. However, in the Philippines I pay only a nominal charge of maybe a total of $60.00 per month for what I ger free in the US with the free part D plan. So I never purchased **** while in the US but find it affordable to buy **** here at Mercury..

          I paid about the same for my blood pressure meds in the Philippines as I did in the USA, no prescription required.  That changed this year, when I used to pay $14 for 90 pills, but got my US doctor to up the prescription to 180 pills for 6 months.  The price for 180 pills was only $16.  I only have Medicare part c, no drugs involved.  So now it makes sense to bring it all from the USA, not have to deal with Mercury Drug.  Same deal with my statins,  much cheaper per pill to buy 180 than 90.

Yes your sums are right BP.

I have not paid taxes in Aussie for some 25 years. My wife does.

So i only pay my Medibank private $35.

I dont get paid benefits at all nor will I ever be paid benefits or a pension.

My SMSF excludes me from all that according to my accountant. I still have to lodge every year like everybody else.

My divs can be a huge problem if im in Australia 1 day more than 6 months pro rata.

I maintain the double indexation treaty of 1956.

Marcos re-signed it as perpetual.

Its a work in progress for me.

WA.

Australian Treaty Series 1980 No 16

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

CANBERRA

Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of the

Philippines for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with

respect to Taxes on Income

(Manila, 11 May 1979)

Entry into force: 17 June 1980

AUSTRALIAN TREATY SERIES

1980 No. 16

Australian Government Publishing Service

Canberra

(c) Commonwealth of Australia 1995

BP

I helped 4 of my mates who are on over $200k pa and they dont pay taxes in Australia either by way of article (14).

See below for mandate.

I dont understand why more Australians, Canadian and Americans dont do the same. They all have it.

Article 14

Independent personal services

(1) Income derived by an individual who is a resident of one of the Contracting States in respect of

professional services or other independent activities of a similar character shall be taxable only in

that State. However, if such an individual -

(a) has a fixed base regularly available to him in the other Contracting State for the purpose of

performing his activities; or

(b) in a year of income or taxable year, as the case may be, stays in the other Contracting State for a

period or periods aggregating 183 days for the purpose of performing his activities; or

(c) derives, in a year of income or taxable year, as the case may be, from residents of the other

Contracting State gross remuneration in that State exceeding ten thousand Australian dollars or its

equivalent in Philippine pesos from performing his activities,

so much of the income derived by him as is attributable to activities so performed may be taxed in

the other State.

(2) The Treasurer of Australia and the Minister of Finance of the Philippines may agree in letters

exchanged for the purpose to variations in the amount specified in sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (1)

and any variations so agreed shall have effect according to the tenor of the letters.

(3) The term "professional services" includes services performed in the exercise of independent

scientific, literary, artistic, educational or teaching activities, as well as in the exercise of

independent activities of physicians, lawyers, engineers, architects, dentists and accountants.