New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019

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It is hard work getting answers to these questions Ron, sometimes you just have to be there and find someone who knows which is never easy in the Philippines. I think you have a good idea though and should be workable if you can find the right person to talk to.

Good luck.

I am from ZA myself and I originally left South Africa in 1990 because I was totally sick and tired of our dumb racist white governemnt we had then who totally destroyed the country and economy and ZA was a war zone, and we had to fight all over...there was zero future then...it was pretty hopeless specially for any open minded person who respected any other cultures and peoples...so I went in 1990 to Taiwan, and it was very hard...just surviving for a year but saved money and was back in ZA,.but things were still totally crap, so I went to Tenerife but got kicked out after beating a cop who drank my wine, and ended up in London with ten pounds...was very hard but 6 months later I had savings and back ZA...in 93 made it back Taiwan and been in Asia since then, and it has never been too easy anywhere, China, HK, Macau, Thailand, Cambodia, and Philippines, you have to fight hard and need lots a luck and some help to get ahead...My brother joined the Correctional service in South Africa and he had an easy life working for the governemnt, secure job, reasonable salary etc etc...My father worked on railroad after being a policeman first, my mom never worked but could live on his pension...all in all many South Africans are clueless about the bigger world and problems out there...Philippines is fine IF you have a running business MAKING MONEY and or good pension..minimum 500 USD a month and you are a bit clever...visa extensions are going crazy and is a rip off...compared to what foreigners pay in ZA...South Africa treat foreigners very kindly, they get same treatment as South Africans without discrimination, they can go to school free, medical free, visas basically free, etc etc...you try that stuff in Philippines lols, and u end in prison then after you still have to pay your way out of the country seriously..Foreigners have very little real rights here...Anyway, I started a business, resto-inn, Klub Safari, here in Surigao del Sur in Mindanao...which is the last good place in Asia, but after this I will be back to South Africa, the Filipinos are getting more paranoid unless Duterte can change their prejudice towards foreigners, we wait and see, and the environment here is totally destroyed and becoming more untenable to live by the passing day...and NO ONE cares...but I think the only shot you have is online in Mindanao somewhere...seriously...teach English...that is it...online...

Hi my name is Laurie,

I currently am residing in Vancouver, BC, but originally from northern Ontario. I am self employed for 20 years now, web designer, writer, marketer and nutritionist (big foodie) and am looking to move to Manilla in the next couple of months. I do have a friend that lives there (He's from Van as well) with his family (we're business colleagues) and another friend that lives in Palawan, both of which have lived in those cities for a long time.

Right now, I am just going to try out a one year visa and see how it goes from there.

Why it is so difficult for you to cancel my account? I am in other forum and no more interested by expatcom. I sent you so many mail, so do your job!

Manila is one of the cities with the worst quality of life...

Hi New member here from Cebu.....

Looking for expatriates from Malaysia and Indonesia here in Cebu. Looking forward to meet you guys....

Been to Pasay twice.... never into Manila.

Good Morning and greetings from Canada

Like many on this site I am in the process of some due diligence and considering retiring soon in the Philippines

The challenge is to find reasonable accommodation in a nice area of Manila

My intention is to spend the my winters in the Philippines and travel back to Canada in the summer

I plan on making a trip later in 2019

Craig

Welcome Craig
Are you set on Manila ?  What are your requirements for a good life here ?  Read plenty of the threads here to prepare yourself for scams etc that target westerners.  A lot will depend whether you have a pinay  wife/girl friend.
regards  Bruce

Hi, I see you are expecting a baby in Philippines? Congratulations   My husband has been offered a great job in Cebu City, we will visit in August. But to be honest we want to start a family and it doesn't seem like the place to do it. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Stephanie

Why it does not like to be the place ?

Hello everybody, I’m a newbie and looking for good advice.i have visited the Philippines.3 times in the last couple of years.my girlfriend is from the Philippines.and I want to take the step now.to be closer to her in the Philippines.im looking to move abroad from the uk.and also looking for work out there in the Philippines. Please could you lovely people help me with advice .

Aid123 wrote:

Hello everybody, I’m a newbie and looking for good advice.i have visited the Philippines.3 times in the last couple of years.my girlfriend is from the Philippines.and I want to take the step now.to be closer to her in the Philippines.im looking to move abroad from the uk.and also looking for work out there in the Philippines. Please could you lovely people help me with advice .

What special skills or education do you have?  Finding work in the Philippines will be close to impossible.  Unless you already have an online business, you probably won't find liveable work.  Depending on WiFi also restricts your choices.  Good luck.

Hi , thank you for your message, I run my own business here in the uk.and I also have my skills in nvq for hotel and catering.and can perform many jobs and tasks in the hotel and catering trade.

Aid123 wrote:

Hi , thank you for your message, I run my own business here in the uk.and I also have my skills in nvq for hotel and catering.and can perform many jobs and tasks in the hotel and catering trade.

I would be surprised if you Could get a job in the hospitality business in the Philippines.  What languages do you speak in addition to English?

Hello Ken V,
My name is gina,I was born in Sigma Capiz. I have a brand new house in Roxas City if you would like to rent just in case you need a place to stay there.
I haven’t been home for more than decade I’m currently living in Toronto.
Well, Roxas city is becoming more prosperous  I would say ,since these humongous malls weren’t there yet last time I was there aside from its excellent seafoods and nice beaches and waterfalls I can tell you that people are warm and very friendly.

Welcome to Roxas City Sir!

Hi,

My name is Imran (Originally from Sri Lankan) and was living in Cambodia for the past 19 years and running a successful Event Management Company called Live Wire Events. And me and my wife (filipino - also the partner of the company) will be based in Cebu from July, 2019 onwards.

We really loved to meet new expat community in Cebu and would loved to get connect to networking and of course business. I want to connect and cos I am a newbie and would be great to meet some new people.

Have a great weekend all,
Imran

At the moment I am doing my due diligence and have watched several YouTube videos from expats who give good advise on the pros and cons of the Philippines including scams etc

I hope to go later this fall for an initial visit to see the " lay of the land " to determine if the Philippines will make sense - Since I havent been to the Philippines I dont have a Philippine wife or girl friend however I am single at the moment

CMolson wrote:

Good Morning and greetings from Canada



My intention is to spend the my winters in the Philippines and travel back to Canada in the summer

According to How I Met Your Mother, summer in Canada is the last week of July.  Good luck on your search.  Many in the Philippines speak English, but since you have never been there it might be helpful to contact an expat to help you get the lay of the land.

mugtech wrote:

According to How I Met Your Mother, summer in Canada is the last week of July.  Good luck on your search.  Many in the Philippines speak English, but since you have never been there it might be helpful to contact an expat to help you get the lay of the land.

Save your money, many Canadians (Snow Birds) go to Arizona for the winter. Fly many hours to the Philippines or four hours to Arizona, you can even drive there. Arizona weather is much better, if you want beaches and sand go to Mexico.

Craig, My advice: Dont come to Philippines if you are welling to stay single. Arizona sounds good 

Hobbit 112: did you built your hobbit house around here? Any pictures would be great!

W9XR wrote:

Save your money, many Canadians (Snow Birds) go to Arizona for the winter. Fly many hours to the Philippines or four hours to Arizona, you can even drive there. Arizona weather is much better,

Then again Arizona has many Americans living there.

Roger JL wrote:

Craig, My advice: Dont come to Philippines if you are welling to stay single. Arizona sounds good 

Hobbit 112: did you built your hobbit house around here? Any pictures would be great!

Arizona is good for the winter if you like the desert and playing golf.  And expensive to boot.  Not much more to do there.

I have not built a house in the Philippines as I am single (and can't own land) and want the freedom to move if I wish!

Hi I'm Neville  I am British and me and my Filipino girlfriend have a 16 mouth old daughter and wondering if my daughter can get a British passport  as I am a british citizen I have been reading I can hand down my citizenship to my daughter and how do I do that would be much appreciated if someone can help me let me know how thank you very much

Hi Everyone just joined recently. Living inph for 10 years now,anyone live in san jose city Neuva ecija, would gladly have a chat friend. Andy.

Hello, I am Dave. I currently live in Georgia USA but I will be moving to Davao City in September 2019. I was in Cebu from November 2018 to March 2019. I did enjoy the area but I am hoping to find another area just as friendly but without as many cars. Traffic is very high in Cebu. I am retired now and I hope to stay in the Philippines forever. Beautiful country and very friendly people. I am looking to meet all the expats so if anyone knows of a meeting or gathering, I would be very interested in knowing about it. Thanks to all.

Dave770 wrote:

Hello, I am Dave. I currently live in Georgia USA but I will be moving to Davao City in September 2019. I was in Cebu from November 2018 to March 2019. I did enjoy the area but I am hoping to find another area just as friendly but without as many cars. Traffic is very high in Cebu. I am retired now and I hope to stay in the Philippines forever. Beautiful country and very friendly people. I am looking to meet all the expats so if anyone knows of a meeting or gathering, I would be very interested in knowing about it. Thanks to all.

And you are going to Davao City?   

Neville2012 wrote:

Hi I'm Neville  I am British and me and my Filipino girlfriend have a 16 mouth old daughter and wondering if my daughter can get a British passport  as I am a british citizen I have been reading I can hand down my citizenship to my daughter and how do I do that would be much appreciated if someone can help me let me know how thank you very much

From what I understand Neville it is possible.  Contact the British Embassy for specific requirements.

Yes, I send 1 night in Cebu at the airport and then catch a flight the next day to Davao. I spent about 5 months in Cebu a few months ago so I thought I would spend a year or so in Davao and see if I liked it better there. Cebu is ok but there is a lot of traffic. Are you in Davao now?

hey Dave,

I live in florida. I have lived in the Philippines and will be going back. I was in Davao city for awhile. It was nice there. I also live in Tagum city just north of Davao. I am thinking about going to Surigao city this time.

art

Did you find a lot of America expats in Davao? Do they have organized meetings or activities? Can you tell me where or how I will be able to find a number of the expats? I don't drink so I don't go to the bars. I will be applying for my srrv visa as soon as I get to Davao. Thanks for any assistance.

Hi - Rob from England.

Thinking of getting my SRRV this yr & to look at working online from Ph.

I haven’t decided on location yet, likely to be Visayas, I like Mindanao, but obviously a reliable internet connection is key.

What is it you do online?

Working in a virtualised callcentre myself at the moment, trying to investigate possibilities for PI

Cheers

Rob 😊

I am retired now. I only use the internet for entertainment.

Sorry Dave, I was replying to another post, the session closed and posted this, rather than replying

Hi everyone.  This is Jerry from Texas.  I'm Married to a Philippina.  We have 2 kids, 15 and 19.  We plan on moving to the philippines or, at least, building a home there.  Currently have in-laws and property in Iligan City, Mindanao but I am interested in relocating to Dinagat Islands because of security concerns in Iligan.  I'm here to learn more about living in the Philippines.  I am retired but bored, so I am also exploring business opportunities in the Philippines. 

I will be asking lots of questions.  I have spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines and have family and friends there.  Hopefully I can use my experience in the Philippines to answer other members questions, too.

TexanPinoy wrote:

Hi everyone.  This is Jerry from Texas.  I'm Married to a Philippina.  We have 2 kids, 15 and 19.  We plan on moving to the philippines or, at least, building a home there.  Currently have in-laws and property in Iligan City, Mindanao but I am interested in relocating to Dinagat Islands because of security concerns in Iligan.  I'm here to learn more about living in the Philippines.  I am retired but bored, so I am also exploring business opportunities in the Philippines. 

I will be asking lots of questions.  I have spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines and have family and friends there.  Hopefully I can use my experience in the Philippines to answer other members questions, too.

Welcome.  What kind of business were you looking into?  Depending on your skills and interests it could wind up being a hobby.  Wouldn't you want your children to complete their education in the USA?  Does anyone besides your wife speak any languages of the islands?  Good luck in your quest.

Hello Everyone,

I'm Patrick from Ireland & now living here in Manila.
I stopped work at 57 & now 72, best decision of my life
Health is no 1 for me.
I like living here as the people are nice & cheerful & love the climate.
Im a vegetarian & love all the fruit/veg here & nuts.

Good health to you all
Kindly
Patrick