New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2020

Hello all! I am 28 years old, from Kolkata, India. I have lived in Bangalore for the last 5 years, where I have finished my PhD in Mathematics. Before that, 5 years in Bhubaneswar completing my studies. Recently, I have taken up a post doctoral position in Mumbai. But due to the covid situation, I'm working from home.

My girlfriend is a teacher in Manila, PH, and I'd like to move there as soon as possible. I have just started looking for academic positions (to teach at colleges/institutions/universities as a full time professor) in Manila. I am hoping for someone to kindly provide me with the relevant information. I'm specifically interested in:
1. Whether I'm eligible for any such position (being an Indian citizen);
2. if so, how do I go on about this (I've sent my CV to several universities last month, but haven't heard back from any of them).

Thanks in advance.

https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/job-sea … cher-jobs/

Google is your friend

Hi Diptin, the problem is that a lot of teachers in schools and universities do not have work in the PH because of lower enrollment.

For a foreigner, you have to apply to "visiting professor". You have to check the websites of the universities, each of them have different procedures

Thanks for the info.

Hello everyone, this could be dumb question, what does HOA`s mean is that some sort of American saying please explain .

aussiekiwi wrote:

Hello everyone, this could be dumb question, what does HOA`s mean is that some sort of American saying please explain .

HOA referes to Home Owners Association, which is an organization associated with a particular subdivision or housing development that codifies and enforces rules pertinent to that place. Like parking, noise, maybe even color choices. They may also provide services.

Both my US homes have an HOA. In one case (very expensive) they maintain everything up to and including the exterior and roof of the home (it is a townhouse). I rent that home out, and it means I have very little to worry about except maybe an appliance failure. In the other one where I maintain my primary home, they only maintain the roads and landscaping, the pool and tennis courts, etc. They also provide trash and recycling services. Rules prevent parking on the narrow streets, etc.

If done well, it makes sense, keeps property values up, and keeps neighbors from having squabbles with each other (just check the rules). Critical to find a home in a well-run HOA. I always look at the numbers they are required to publish as to their financial reserves, track record, etc. Basically I have no issue with either HOA. Some more independent minded people might not like the rules.

pnwcyclist wrote:

aussiekiwi wrote:

Hello everyone, this could be dumb question, what does HOA`s mean is that some sort of American saying please explain .

HOA referes to Home Owners Association, which is an organization associated with a particular subdivision or housing development that codifies and enforces rules pertinent to that place. Like parking, noise, maybe even color choices. They may also provide services.

Both my US homes have an HOA. In one case (very expensive) they maintain everything up to and including the exterior and roof of the home (it is a townhouse). I rent that home out, and it means I have very little to worry about except maybe an appliance failure. In the other one where I maintain my primary home, they only maintain the roads and landscaping, the pool and tennis courts, etc. They also provide trash and recycling services. Rules prevent parking on the narrow streets, etc.

If done well, it makes sense, keeps property values up, and keeps neighbors from having squabbles with each other (just check the rules). Critical to find a home in a well-run HOA. I always look at the numbers they are required to publish as to their financial reserves, track record, etc. Basically I have no issue with either HOA. Some more independent minded people might not like the rules.

We have the a similar setup in Singapore known as the "HDB".
In short its like living an over inflated balloon...zero interest rates plays a huge part in keeping this party going, thats until (Avengers : Thanos) comes along.

HDB is well run. They have power.

Richard Yan wrote:

HDB is well run. They have power.

Agreed...so does Thanos & Singapore does not have an 'Iron Man' anymore.

45/M married to a Filipina for 20 years and we have two adult children.

Looking to make some new friends who are expats living in the Philippines so I have some friends when I make my move.  We will most likely live in the Vigan area or Laoag but before I commit to any place I want to spend a few months traveling the country.  I did get to see allot of places on my last visit but still want to venture to other places to see what suits me best.  My ultimate goal is to have a condo and then lease some land to have a small Dragon Fruit farm. I am currently growing 13 varieties of DF but it is extremely difficult in the Texas climate due to extreme cold and heat so definitely a challenge.  If I can do it here I am sure I will be able to do it there as well so now just learning everything I can to be prepared.

Hello,

I'm David from Montreal. I'm planning on staying in the Philippines with my partner and try living life to the fullest. We've been together for 5 years now and well, I just want to lay low. I should have been in the Philippines this year but we'll reschedule, maybe next year.

Hope you're all doing good!

Hello and good to be a member of the group.

Looking at arriving in the Philippines end of November beginning of December and will be living in Lancaster City Cavite.  We have finally decided that now is the time to make the final move after thinking about it for the last 4 to 5 years.

I have worked in retail mall management for the last 14 years in some of the biggest malls in the world (Obviously not quite as big as MOA, but not far off).  In my time i have worked with many Filipino colleagues and always found them to be amazing people and I have done my bit to help them get bigger and better positions.

I would like to see how I can further help Filipinos that are  considering moving abroad to such places as Europe or the Middle East.  In particular retail and Incident planning, I believe that it would help them to get stronger positions before or after they have arrived.  Would welcome your thoughts on this?

In addition I would like to see how I can help developers in the Philippines that are selling residential properties to Filipino / expat couples and how best to manage the process after going through it with my Filipino wife - I believe we could bring a great value to the process.

Finally for me as an English person the challenge as been learning the language - I am trying very hard to do this and in particular staying away from the Taglish and Spanish influenced words.  I am getting there, but it is a slow process - I want to demonstrate my commitment and respect to the Philippines by trying my best as we say in English - 'When in the Philippines do as the Filipinos'.

Hi All, it is a pleasure to be connected to this group.

My first visit was back in November in 2015, I'm 34 now and started a career as a Dive Instructor. A couple of years ago, with a young daughter, I needed to get a proper working visa.

I was wondering if anyone has had a positive experiencing in finding work, are they any good recruitment agencies for ex-pats. I'm in sales and have extensive experience.

Any suggestions. It a rollarcoaster right now and trying to find a way back to get grounded.

Any advice very welcome.

Thanks and Regards,

James

Welcome to the forum David, Peter and James.

James

I know the diving industry inside out - there is no work in the Philippines for Diving instructors at this time

When Diving for tourist starts again maybe in mid to late 2021 then there is a huge backlog of instructors that are waiting to fill any demand

Later in 2022 if you lived in the Philippines and close to Dive centres you might be able to get some high season work as a Freelance

My best advice is for you to find a job that you can do online before moving here

Alternatively, find work here first and get offered a job and then move

If you are in sales you need to start trawling the companies that are in your area of expertise

It is extremely unlikely that you will find work as a foreigner once you are here on any sort of wage that would sustain you

Getting a work permit is pretty easy if you have a company sponsoring you, its just paperwork and money

Cheers

Scott

Scott,

Thanks for your kind reply, I have been trawling and trawling everywhere I can for work. I have been in full time employment as a sales manager for an international company earning 100,000 pesos as a base salary OTE is circa 150-170.

I started this job after I was employed in the Diving industry here in The Philippines. I was working full time for 3 years, and eared exceptional money for the job some months I was hitting between 80-100k, but this was because of my selling expertise.

I really cant wait for the diving industry to open up again, yes probably wont see any tourists for a long time.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good agencies that find placements for expats?

My Current Job as a Sales Manager within the consumer electronics industry is coming to a close. Please kindly note I have sold a variety of products and services in my time and willing to turn my hand to any product.

Thanks,

James

Hello glad to have found this group. Currently living in the USA with my wife. We have a 12 year old daughter and a home that we built in AC in 2019. My wife wanted someplace to stay when she visited that we could call home when visited. Her sister lives in the house with her family taking care of the house while my wife is here in the USA. My wife would like to move there but I have some health issues that might make that difficult. So researching health care options and costs of living there. My daughter is also a concern do I want to take her from everything she has known and move to a new house and country. She was born in the Philippines but after 3 years of age all she has known is the USA except for 3 trips back with my wife to visit her family. I am 57 and disabled so collecting my social security and have some additional savings that I don't think money will be a problem. But if I can't get the medical treatment I need it makes a permanent move difficult. So maybe the best option is extended visits that last 2 or 3 months every year until my daughter is older and she can decide for herself where she would like to live.  I have been in the Philippines probably 10 times in the past for vacations. On my 3rd trip in 2005 I met my wife and we chatted for a year before we met again and spent my whole vacation together. I brought her to the USA in 2011 and we married. I know Angeles City is changing but really don't mind that the bars are not as prevalent as back when I first visited lol. Could be my age and being happily married. Or that I have a 12 year old daughter that I don't want to disappoint her with my old lifestyle. That she may find out about if we move there. I never did anything I am ashamed of but I wasn't a choir boy either.  Anyway Thanks for letting me join the group.

wolfe5047 wrote:

Hello glad to have found this group. Currently living in the USA with my wife. We have a 12 year old daughter and a home that we built in AC in 2019. My wife wanted someplace to stay when she visited that we could call home when visited. Her sister lives in the house with her family taking care of the house while my wife is here in the USA. My wife would like to move there but I have some health issues that might make that difficult. So researching health care options and costs of living there. My daughter is also a concern do I want to take her from everything she has known and move to a new house and country. She was born in the Philippines but after 3 years of age all she has known is the USA except for 3 trips back with my wife to visit her family. I am 57 and disabled so collecting my social security and have some additional savings that I don't think money will be a problem. But if I can't get the medical treatment I need it makes a permanent move difficult. So maybe the best option is extended visits that last 2 or 3 months every year until my daughter is older and she can decide for herself where she would like to live.  I have been in the Philippines probably 10 times in the past for vacations. On my 3rd trip in 2005 I met my wife and we chatted for a year before we met again and spent my whole vacation together. I brought her to the USA in 2011 and we married. I know Angeles City is changing but really don't mind that the bars are not as prevalent as back when I first visited lol. Could be my age and being happily married. Or that I have a 12 year old daughter that I don't want to disappoint her with my old lifestyle. That she may find out about if we move there. I never did anything I am ashamed of but I wasn't a choir boy either.  Anyway Thanks for letting me join the group.

Welcome, hope we can help you get information to determine your future.  Probably would be  best for your daughter to complete her education in the USA.  Don't know what your specific medical needs are, but some hospitals in the large cities are quite good while others in the province are much more hit and miss.  Cannot imagine your past will haunt you 15 years later unless they posted wanted posters.  No shame,no problem.  If your wife is a dual citizen you can stay a year as long as you enter the country with her.  Good luck!!!!

My wife is still just a Philippine citizen she had thought about becoming a dual citizen but since her heart is set on returning home she never applied. I am a type 2 diabetic that takes Insulin to treat it. The diabetes is causing my eyes to have problems that require injections in both eyes about every 6 to 7 weeks. And also a Right Below knee amputee at 54 from an accident at work. So will need to find someone that can treat all of these there before I can make a permanent move.  Thanks

wolfe5047 wrote:

My wife is still just a Philippine citizen she had thought about becoming a dual citizen but since her heart is set on returning home she never applied. I am a type 2 diabetic that takes Insulin to treat it. The diabetes is causing my eyes to have problems that require injections in both eyes about every 6 to 7 weeks. And also a Right Below knee amputee at 54 from an accident at work. So will need to find someone that can treat all of these there before I can make a permanent move.  Thanks

See what you mean about needing specialized medical attention.  This is our first winter in PA since 2016-17, wish we were in the Philippines.  Dual citizenship would mean your wife would have to pay income tax to the USA on her world wide income.  Hope you get to the Philippines soon, we are looking at 2022.

Welcome to the forum wolfe5047! Lots of good folks here. There was a VA clinic in Manila I believe, but not sure if it's still open. Not that far from AC.

Not a veteran so they probably wouldn't treat me but worth checking into. Thanks

Thanks I hope we can get there in 2022 also at least for the first of many visits to come. Have a new house being put on the property we own in PA next year so will be a busy 2021. So hopefully in 2022 we will visit Angeles City and Puerto Princesa so my wife can visit with her mother in Abaroan Palawan. She doesn't think I should go with her since she is afraid of the rebels that are around Abaroan. Seems to be getting worse because I visited there in 2008 and 2009. Although in 2009 her father told me I had to stay inside the house because of some problems from men new to the village.

wolfe5047 wrote:

My wife is still just a Philippine citizen she had thought about becoming a dual citizen but since her heart is set on returning home she never applied. I am a type 2 diabetic that takes Insulin to treat it. The diabetes is causing my eyes to have problems that require injections in both eyes about every 6 to 7 weeks. And also a Right Below knee amputee at 54 from an accident at work. So will need to find someone that can treat all of these there before I can make a permanent move.  Thanks

I have no "insider information" of qualities but
/I know Americans living in USA go to Phils to do some surgeries. For many Americans that's cheaper they say. Some have went to Cebu.
/St Thomas in Metro Manila do some complicated surgeries, but I don't know quality.
/Some years ago there were plans to build special for mainly retired Americans and Fil-Ams to move to a concept in Taytay north of Bacolod, with own health care so the retired can stay  there when geting older and get in bad shape.  But I don't know what happened with these plans, if it's done.

wolfe5047 wrote:

I have no "insider information" of qualities but
/I know Americans living in USA go to Phils to do some surgeries. For many Americans that's cheaper they say. Some have went to Cebu.
/St Thomas in Metro Manila do some complicated surgeries, but I don't know quality.
/Some years ago there were plans to build special for mainly retired Americans and Fil-Ams to move to a concept in Taytay north of Bacolod, with own health care so the retired can stay  there when geting older and get in bad shape.  But I don't know what happened with these plans, if it's done.

With all the medical problems the Wolf5047 has, it would be from the frying pan to the fire moving here. Him being in the states he is covered by SSDI or maybe under his wife's medical plan if she has one.

I know some medical programs offer free or low cost transportation for doctor hospital visits and visiting nurses and rehab programs in the states.

With the Wolf5047's medical problems they may get worse, I think traveling or living to/in  the Philippines is really pushing it.

Medical procedures are cheaper in the Philippines but if you're covered by SSDI maybe a small copay. (in the states).

I myself had cataract surgery in the Philippines, the cost about $2500 USD, if done in the states with no insurance would be about $7,000 USD.

Benbrand wrote:

Good evening
My name is Ben and would like to move to Baguio City. I am a pensioner and waiting for lock down to end. From South Africa.
I am emeritus pastor and my retired medical doctor. However, we are still active in our professions.

Welcome to the forum Ben, enjoy. We are on the coast in La Union and get to Baguio from time to time but find it always busy,,,,,, like most big centres in PH. Hope the lock downs end soon so you can achieve your wishes.

Cheers, Steve.

Hello everyone...Been here in La Union PH going on 3 years...Living in Naguilian and married to a local teacher here

Hello...Like you my wife is a filipina and i have gotten a permanent resident visa...after initial processing I now check in once a year with immigration...it's a 13A visa...info is on the Philippine Embassy web site

Hi Zeke, welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy.
We are further north near Bacnotan La Union.

Cheers, Steve.

That's a nice town...spent my honeymoon there on the beach

Zeke1 wrote:

That's a nice town...spent my honeymoon there on the beach

Sweet, where abouts? We are Tammoclao on the beach, very quiet area. Bacnotan now has a new Jollybee franchised opened a month ago so looks like a growth town but we are happy to be away from the traffic and enforcers.

Cheers, Steve.

we stayed in a private apartment i found on air B&B right on the beach....we get up there every now and then...also go to Final Option in San Juan

Hello fellow expats,

I'm Joel Barretto from California USA. I migrated to the US in 1987 and moved back to the Philippines in 2015. Looking forward to meeting other expats here. I have been a financial planner in Irvine CA since 1991 and now a Cross Border Financial Planner helping expats in the Eastern Hemisphere with cross border financial planning issues on tax savings, estate, retirement and investment planning.  Please join me for a free awareness webinar on the "6 Costly Investment Mistakes US Expats Should Avoid."  Message me for an invitation to register in the new year.

jnb913 wrote:

Hello fellow expats,

I'm Joel Barretto from California USA. I migrated to the US in 1987 and moved back to the Philippines in 2015. Looking forward to meeting other expats here. I have been a financial planner in Irvine CA since 1991 and now a Cross Border Financial Planner helping expats in the Eastern Hemisphere with cross border financial planning issues on tax savings, estate, retirement and investment planning.  Please join me for a free awareness webinar on the "6 Costly Investment Mistakes US Expats Should Avoid."  Message me for an invitation to register in the new year.

Jeeze an offer like that in the states include a free meal.

Welcome to the Philippines forum Ben, Zeke and Joel!

Happy New Year!

Enzyte Bob wrote:

Jeeze an offer like that in the states include a free meal.

Due to covid restrictions, it'll have to be take out.
More seriously, I'm a shade concerned about the advert being posted after at least one intervention by a moderator. However, as it's new year and I've just got a sack of cash for doing a little work for a large company, I'll do a Nelson job on this occasion.
Others may not.

Fred wrote:

Enzyte Bob wrote:

Jeeze an offer like that in the states include a free meal.

Due to covid restrictions, it'll have to be take out.
More seriously, I'm a shade concerned about the advert being posted after at least one intervention by a moderator. However, as it's new year and I've just got a sack of cash for doing a little work for a large company, I'll do a Nelson job on this occasion.
Others may not.

A sack of pesos (I could be mistaken) won't get anyone very far...ahem
Btw Happy new year 2021.

manwonder wrote:

Fred wrote:

Enzyte Bob wrote:

Jeeze an offer like that in the states include a free meal.

Due to covid restrictions, it'll have to be take out.
More seriously, I'm a shade concerned about the advert being posted after at least one intervention by a moderator. However, as it's new year and I've just got a sack of cash for doing a little work for a large company, I'll do a Nelson job on this occasion.
Others may not.

A sack of pesos (I could be mistaken) won't get anyone very far...ahem
Btw Happy new year 2021.

He is in West Java, doubt he gets paid in PHP.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

Jeeze an offer like that in the states include a free meal.

What's on the menu?

Did you push through setting up a coffee shop?