Newbee Introduction....

Hi there, I have Phil health and it cost me P15,000 per year. I have not had to use it so I can not attest to the quality or ease of use, but you can get it as a foreigner. I have had t go to the ER one time and paid out of pocket about P7,000 I had an EKG, Xray blood tests and meds; it took around 3 hours total to have the tests and get the results, I was pleased and it seemed a very reasonable price.

Hi Michael.. appreciate the response.  Yea for $300 US a yr for PhilHealth is not bad.  I have heard mixed comments on it.  How do you apply for PhilHealth?  do you have to go in person?, etc.  Wow.. you had all of that done P7k = $139 US...   try to get that done in the US for that price...  LOL   I'd say you got the best end of that deal for sure.  I'm planning on trying to get to Cebu 2022 spring.. hopefully if restrictions lift.
Hey, thanks again for the info. Tony

Hello, Welcome to the forums.

I don't know about PhilHealth as I never tried.

What I do know is hospital bills here aren't as bad as what many makes it out to be. ****WAIT WAIT WAIT before you all grab your knives and pitchforks***. I went to a hospital albeit a private hospital for a complete checkup. umm if I recall correctly, it included blood works, urine sample, chest xray, that thing they do where they strap a bunch of wires on your chest, I forgot what it was called - after all was done, 24 hours for results, 2 visits later - Doc gave me the analysis and basically told me to stop smoking, eat healthy and ffs - stop drinking so much.  Yes I tell my doctor the truth (You should too).

The bill came out to $179 USD give or take inc consultation.

now $39.81 USD per month for maintenance meds (I buy generics from Watsons or Mercury, avoid other shady pharmacy).

Another more recent visit was my son which he got dengue, he was in the hospital I think for about 6 days. Along with tests, anti biotics, a dedicated Pedia, she's was our  only attending Doctor, bill came out to $895 USD. Still not bad IMO but maybe for some, it's a lot.

The bad part is if you end up in a hospital and doctor tries to lynch you, order unnecessary tests, wrong diagnosis, etc . Then you are f ..... The same hospital that I mentioned in the beginning of this post actually told me I had a enlarged heart on one of my visits after I had a mild stroke, which is dangerous - saying my heart is twice the size of a normal heart. I thought without saying anything as I didn't want to be disrespectful, uh I'm kind of a  large dude yo, 6"1 - 200, maybe?... I went to another private hospital and got the same work up and found out everything was normal. Funny enough that same hospital I went to prior when I picked up my results said my heart was "normal". uh OK

I still went back to the same hospital for checkup, but I made sure I requested another doctor.

I have come to be gifted my first born child coming up almost 3 years ago now today, that bill was about $2000 USD. I think my Pedia then milked me a bit  but whatever, this isn't the same Pedia I mentioned previously.  The bill was around 100K ₱, 65 was doctor, medical, hospital. Pedia was 35, give or take. I don't remember the exact numbers.  comparing Pedia - when my child got dengue her consultation was 7000₱, I recall the other Pedia when my child was born consultation was 20,000₱ or so. Funny enough  after some investigation, my Pedia works at 3 different hospitals and the other one I think only works out of a clinic. (as far as I can find based on information and research)

now imagine this - vs US $35,000 for child birth depending what State you are in and what Hospital, Hong Kong would have been minimum $100K HKD equates to $12,865 USD

See what I mean when I say hospitals here are cheap compared to some other countries - unless that hospital got magic and doctors are Unicorns and they fart skittles.

whew.... Sorry bout the long post but it's hard to answer sometimes without showing both side of the coin. You mentioned you are retired, I suggest saving some money aside for your basic medical needs.

Any major medical needs requiring surgical procedures . I'll say what I hear from some of my Fillipino friends, I wont say majority, only the ones I know, they all say they much rather travel abroad for medical treatment ....as  Doctors here are too money minded, some lack competence and some even lack integrity. This does not mean all doctors are bad, My Pulmo is the nicest guy I have ever met and my Pedia, god bless her soul. I can tell she really loves children.

Which is what a doctor should be all about.  Quoted from old The Hippocratic Oath "First, do no harm."

Hope this helps 

Hey Tony, I went to a phil health office in a mall, no hassle. Hope you make it in 2022, it's really odd with no travelers, I'm in Iloilo and all the beaches are closed, all the coffee shops and most restaurants. Anyway Good Luck

Hey Frank.. no worries about your short novel to me.. I do the same at times.  A lot of good information and I thank you.  The same can happen in the US.. I have ran into some quack doctor over here that didn't know their ass from a butter bean.. LOL..  so, that is proable the same for most countries however, there are the "some" doctors who are good at what they do.. most respected.  I think I might look into the PhilHealth.. it's about $300 / yr.. and/or also play it by ear and pay as I go.  So by all means, write me another short novel and tell me about your experience in the Philippines.. how,  what, where, rents, foods, (GIRLS), how long have you been there, the weather, etc.   We covered the healthcare part pretty much and much appreciated. Thanks again, Tony  (hoping to get over there early 2022 in Cebu area)

Michael.. thank you for the reply.  Yea it's probably like a goast town over there..  hopefully soon that will end and folks will come pouring in..  I am probably going to give PhilHealth a looksy. Not bad for like $300 US / year.  Good to have even if you use it once in a years time.  I ask another forum user about his experience in the Philippines and I'l like to hear your story/comments/suggestions if you don't.  I have be reading a lot and watching a ton of YouTube vids about the PI.  I'd like to know more about the weather, foods, rentals, girls, etc.  I'm thinking Cebu area.. where you at? Thanks in advance,  Tony

  cool man, hope you make it here.

I wont touch too much on the how or the what, a lot of it is based off personal opinion and each of us are different in our own ways.

There are many posts with good stories, some bad, some tragic, some are just attention seekers    all over the forums. Feel free to dig around

The rent really depends on where you are located, You are going to Cebu so off the top of my head, there are both low rental cost or you can look for huge mansions with parking for 5. I use to know a Aussie couple there who remained low profile, small 2 BR near the waters, dress pretty casually, tank top, flip flops.. Just dont be stupid and walk around with a Rolex and Ferragamo's, you are asking for it. They were there for a good 3 or 4 years before returning due to Covid. They never had a problem and enjoyed it quite much.

I have been here myself personally coming on 3 years and I truly enjoy everything Philippines have to offer, both good and bad. I have met many both expats and locals, some where nice, some were idiots, even expats, I'd avoid the Americans.. no no just kidding. You just got to be smart and don't be an ass

Food is for me  (I live closer to the City), it's heaven compared to what I was use to in HK, HK food is good but you don't get what you pay for due to high real estate prices. I still prefer NY style chinese foods, lol.  I never thought I would find a pizza better then those italian pizzaria in soho or the village, Here is a different story, ranging from good restaurant chains located in malls (no Im not talking about jolibee or chowking, fast food sucks anyways), small to med restaurants along main roads, small family owned restaurants (mom and pops), there is no limit on how to get good food. Heck even some street food is good if you are willing to take the dare, or have someone local show you what is in the area. The best thing is, it's pretty decently priced IMO.

uh as for girls.. uh.. uh.. umm.. I'll just say be careful, be very careful. The saying "lease but don't buy" comes into mind ?  I'll be repeating this a lot. Funny you mentioned this.

Kinda what I wanted to include yesterday but decided not to as I don't want to come off like a male chauvinist. I don't know why, maybe I'm me ? or I'm Pogi ? haha no, I'm not Pogi.. but still, one thing I noticed during my umm *cough* escapade. I came across more than a couple of ladies from the this side of the world, who would not hesitate to ride me bare back. If you know what I mean..

So yeah, anyhoot.. NO, don't let it happen. Aside from the already countless post on this forum regarding retired foreigners being burned by women that suck them dry and some of them do come here crying and angry with tail tucked between their legs. It's a interesting read if anything.

Just don't do it, Lease but Options to Buy. Yes

If you do find someone that sparks your interest and you want to get serious, by all means, we all deserve love. But just be careful, keep your eyes open and if she is 1) 30 years younger than you and tells you she loves you or 2) she is always asking for money for god knows what. Chances are you are going to get burned

There are those rare circumstances. Still, Lease maybe consider Options to Buy.

You will meet many girls that does this - especially if you are bar hopping in Cebu, They are pro's, they know how to say the right words and do the right thing. They know you are retired, a bit old number wise and want company and someone to hopefully take care of you when those digits starts bumping upwards, their END GAME is to get whatever they can from you, and probably a few others too unless you are with them 24/7, they have what I like to refer to these men as "sponsors". Once the dough stops rolling in, they are gone.

Heck I got a few of them contacting me since COVID from back in my bar days 5-6 years ago. Yup Their sponsor probably ran off or needed to budget cut.

Forget leasing, just call it a bad investment and run for you life. When is the next flight out ?

Don't get me wrong, I respect their profession and I never refer to them as h....., I call them Pro's.
OK not only women does this, Men does this too.. I have plenty to tell about shitty men here also,
and truth be told, there are many men, both local and expat, retired or not that have tried to swindle and use their charms to get these women to be with them. oh my oh my how many time I heard in bars this guy talking to girls and saying "I can get you a permanent visa in HK, SG or green card in US" or "I can get you a condo   a car"... and how many times I see these girls disappear for month/s only to come back and I ask them what happened and they tell me simply, guy promised everything, but delivered nothing.

Then there are those rare success stories where these women does meet some Prince Charming and they did get a condo and a car,  until they break up and find out the condo was never in her name. DERP. Some are smart, they make you buy land, build a house, start a business, get a Car and it'll be under HER name. I mean seriously, how many of these girls actually have a success story.

I do find it entertaining when I see these older gentlemen walking around with a girl half or less than half of his age. The facial expression is sometimes priceless  and in some instances, you can tell right
away that he's the sugar daddy and she's the sugar baby, which is fine, Call it a business transaction  . But in some other instances if you are just retired and the girl is looking for a trust fund ... You think they like you cus you are old?

After you hang out in a bars, clubs long enough, you see the "merry go round" in action.

I personally don't like the weather and prefer to be in Alaska or Iceland, but that's me. My wife calls me polar bear for a reason. With that said.. I'll say Weather is nice, depending which parts of the states you are from. Mostly hot and humid, when it rains, it really does rain. Flooding can occur in some areas, AC 24/7 is probably recommended if you want to be comfortable and not use to this type of humidity. Cebu by the water as you would probably know, air is damp and salty so probably nothing will last long due to the corrosion. If you ever plan to build a house there, you need to plan the materials accordingly. (Just FYI, foreigners aren't allowed to own land here.) There are a couple months where I am  thats dry but still hot, stuffy feeling, but I'm not sure if Cebu is like this also since I'm not near there.

oh crud, I just realized I wrote another chapter. LOL    enjoy and hope it helps.

Concerning PhilHealth itt isnt enoughfor many situations, but for some situations its very good.
E g for dengue it pay big part.
Tuberculosis is FREE but I dont know if it depend of PhilHelth, its free to make no one hesitate because of financial, to reduce spread risk.

frankanderson wrote:

:  uh as for girls.. uh.. uh.. umm.. I'll just say be careful, be very careful. The saying "lease but don't buy" comes into mind ? .

Well.  Yes there are goldigers, but with that attitude you will probably not get a good woman, because they want to get MARRIED.  Concerning that most of Phils are as "western" cuntries 70 years ago.  Some good ones can agree to live-in a SHORT while IF they believe it will end in marriage and if they get FOOLED to believe that then the man is a crap person not worth to get one of the good ones...

Hey Frank, Perfectly fine of what you wrote.. I must say- you do get on a roll.. LOL  However, there is nothing wrong with it... that's cool.. a lot of good information for sure.  Thanks especially about the girly thing.. very important.  Sounds like the states.  Anywho.. appreciated all that you have written and will take it to heart.

Cheers,  Tony

Thanks Coach... I see what ur saying...   I believe there are some STILL good women out there whether in PI or US or anywhere..  It is what it is... Just have to BOLO.

tpiro wrote:

Hey Frank, Perfectly fine of what you wrote.. I must say- you do get on a roll.. LOL  However, there is nothing wrong with it... that's cool.. a lot of good information for sure.  Thanks especially about the girly thing.. very important.

It IS something wrong with what he wrote about how to treat women - IF foollng the good ones.  The gold diggers I dont bother about.  Femaöe golddigers and male playboys can have each other   

I know a lot of frustrated SERIOUS Filipinas, who have been abandonded with child by Filipinos - and some by foreigners too -  or fooled by playboys , who thought it would be marriage.

But a GOOD thing with such bad behaving men is we good guys dont need to be any much good to be found good in comparing        Many single mothers WANT older foreigners as husband, NOT being golddigers, just aim at a decent ecomomic MARRIED life, because they find the odds to be treated ok being better with an older foreigner.

Welcome one and all...
The Good Bad & Ugly....Just don't run out of money or options here....in that search for your ffffrrrrreeeedddddoooommmm.
(omo)

Oops...I did it again!!!

Hey thank to all that chimed in on my questions. appreciate all.  We'll be giving it a try come early 2022... yea.. if I ever get my passport b/c of backup log...  as usual, our administration needs to hire and get off their asses!

Here's another question for all...  as Clint would ask.." Do you feel lucky?.. well- do ya? "... so do you feel like you made the right move to the Philippines?  Did you land in the right spot..location?  Did the leave all the stress behind in the US?  Ya gonna live in PI till the end with a fillipina baby and she'll throw your ashes into the sea at the end?  Did ya help the unfortunate people along your ways in PI?   THAT'S WHAT I AM HOPING FOR

tpiro wrote:

I am retired, 68 years of age and in decent health; which leds me to the Healthcare inquiry.  How is PhilHealth? and can I become a member?  you've got to have some kind of insurance. or pay as you go b/c it is so inexpenive.  So, with that said- if anyone would like to chime in on any suggestions they would like to share or beware notes, I would gladly appreciate all.  Thank you kindly.. Tony

In the matter of hospitalization / hospital admittance, you should be aware that in the Philippines, the amount charged by the hospital is based on socialized pricing. It means that the bigger / more expensive your room is, the higher the charges not just for the room, but also for services and supplies provided by the hospital.

We prefer a small private room. But in case of an emergency, and the only rooms available are big private rooms and suites, we sign up for the waiting list for a small private room or even a semi-private room. There was one time midway through my pregnancy that I had an emergency, but the only room available was a suite. I'm glad that I was discharged the day after. PhP25k+ in hospital bills excluding the MRI. Our bill would have been a lot less if a small private room were available.

FilAmericanMom wrote:

In the matter of hospitalization / hospital admittance, you should be aware that in the Philippines, the amount charged by the hospital is based on socialized pricing. It means that the bigger / more expensive your room is, the higher the charges not just for the room, but also for services and supplies provided by the hospital.

Chosing private room also add the hospital can LEGALY hold the person - or dead bofy - as HOSTAGE until the bill is paid, while its illegal if not private room.
Some hospitals count more as "private room" as e g LOW screens which can be seen over to next if one stand up and OPEN at the foot end to where people walk passing!!!

Thank you for that information... guess I wil ensure a small private room if I end up in a hospital... hopefully not.  Did you all relocate from the US over to the Philippines?  any regrets?  Sorry I may be having second thoughts about making the move from US to PI... I don't need to be thinking that.. huh?

tpiro wrote:

Here's another question for all...  as Clint would ask.." Do you feel lucky?.. well- do ya? "... so do you feel like you made the right move to the Philippines?  Did you land in the right spot..location?  Did the leave all the stress behind in the US?  Ya gonna live in PI till the end with a fillipina baby and she'll throw your ashes into the sea at the end?  Did ya help the unfortunate people along your ways in PI?   THAT'S WHAT I AM HOPING FOR

For me the PI is more stressful, which is why I split my time now. I tried it for two years before going to part time.. in the city the constant aggravation of getting things done, the NOISE, garbage in the streets, pollution, traffic and bad drivers took its toll on me. I love my woman and her two boys but I just can't take it full time and she was married once so she can't come here because there is NO DIVORCE. The church has archaic rules, resulting in overpopulation, illegitimate kids, and a cycle of poverty. It's sad.

Here in the US I have a quiet place, views of the mountains, good infrastructure (in comparison). I can camp and bike and ride my motorcycle without risking life and limb. Someday maybe her annulment will be done and they can come here (5 years in progress). Or not. Who knows. Fortunately I can afford to split my time but this year with Covid has been hard. Yes I love the Filipinos, they are so happy, and resilient and it is a joy to help those in need, especially kids. School, medical etc.

There is no doubt more excitement in the Philippines (and in most SE Asian countries) - we have had some amazing adventures to other islands, and in the cities it is non-stop action and fun.. tons to see and do.. friendly people and pretty girls everywhere..  but it can also really wear on you. These places are very different culturally. Some like it some don't. I have traveled a lot and there is a big difference between visiting a place and living there.

If you haven't actually BEEN to the Philippines (at least a few times) don't even consider moving permanently.

Thank you for the ensight... if you don't mind may I ask if you are retired?  how old are you?.. and what part in PI were you staying...  Thanks in advance..

tpiro wrote:

Thank you for the ensight... if you don't mind may I ask if you are retired?  how old are you?.. and what part in PI were you staying...  Thanks in advance..

I retired at 57, been going to SE Asia since I was 59.  I'm 66 now, rent a house in Cebu, the kids are in private schools (not expensive). The car is in her name for liability reasons, but she's a great driver.  I've been to most of the islands in the Visayas and to Manila several times. We generally take a trip to another country every year - Singapore, HK, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand and Vietnam.. I am generally there about half the year.

I will add that the cities are where most of the problems of overcrowding, pollution, litter and congestion are.. but that's where we live and it is real. The smaller islands and province areas can be idyllic, but also there's not much to do, often no good restaurants, shopping, etc. So it is a balance. If I didn't have the kids in good schools I would probably be on Panglao, another place I lived and found idyllic (small, quiet AND nice restaurants, haha).

I would also add not to believe all the YouTube videos you see. They always paint a rather exaggerated picture (either positive or neg) because of course they are trying to get clicks. You just need to visit the Philippines a few times , meet the people, travel around, and see it for yourself.

Ok.. thanks man and I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Stay safe and happy trails

Hello there, it is really all about expectations and what you are willing to live with. I lived in Thailand for about 2 years and found it to be a beautiful slick place to live, much more like America than the Philippines, but that is actually what I am wanting to leave behind, the stress and constantly having to be on guard. I have been in the Philippines about a year now and find myself feeling comfortable and at peace; there is some stressors but, all in all I am content. Let me tell you a story; I went to the grand canyon a number of years ago and hiked down one of the trails into the canyon below; going down was difficult and scary but exciting, coming back up was a drudgery mostly because I wanted to get to the top so I walked faster than I should have and wore myself out. I found that being patient and walking at a slow steady pace made the hike more enjoyable and less wearing. The point of my story is be patient, go slow and enjoy the adventure. Peace and love, Mike

pnwcyclist wrote:

The smaller islands and province areas can be idyllic, but also there's not much to do, often no good restaurants, shopping, etc. So it is a balance. If I didn't have the kids in good schools I would probably be on Panglao, another place I lived and found idyllic (small, quiet AND nice restaurants, haha).

By you are cyclist I thought you know there are MORE to do living rural than in city        When we rural living people want to do "city things" then just drive to ciy      while city living people CANT get some things rural living people cant by we have own land access...
I just need to open my door to get calm and a stunning view, and during harvest season I have much good taste things to pic just outside.  I like forests better, but some have "own" beach.   Beaches cant be owned in Phils, but there are so many so its possible to chose to settle at beach where no people go    because they have closer beaches to go to.
Both can do things rural as e g adventures checking nature, sailing, swim, canoe.  Some places have special nature tracks for cycles e g at southwest part of Cebu island.
And there are A LOT to do EVERYWHERE  (E g making music, read and write books, billiard, table tennis, research things... Before PC I could entertain myself with just paper and pen    but  have got some spoiled now by laptop and internet.)
The only negative I can think of with rural in Phils are harder to get ok internet and mobile connection, and electric grid, but that can be solved by e g solar. 

pnwcyclist wrote:

I love the Filipinos, they are so happy, and resilient and it is a joy to help those in need, especially kids. School, medical etc.

Well.  Yes, but that make them protest to litle too and have unneceary much problems by that....
Sweden had similar problems with power abuse 110 years ago and solved it by we Swedes protest much and by that Sweden have among the least corruption in the world (together with New Zealand, Norway and Denmark). E g an expected next prime minister in Sweden got kicked out for buying a chockolate bar with a card ment for parlament costs   

Hey Tony, yeah no problem. I had way too much time on my hands at that moment.

Coach, I didn't mean they are all bad. It just depends where you meet them. I'm pretty sure those "SERIOUS Filipinas" you mentioned are not hanging around looking for men in a bar on a strip in CEBU.  I agree serious one wants to get married but umm, at the end of the day, they all say that. The Sugar baby I was referring was carrying a LV bag and those ridiculous big GUCCI sun glasses. She just had that arrogant as f... look on her face while walking that "Robinson's Runway". - lol 

I don't mean they are all bad and forgive me if I led you to think otherwise. There are good women out there, anywhere in the world actually. Just have to be careful of the bad ones because they don't care about you and they will take you for everything with absolute zero morality.

Tony, don't look for it and it'll probably end up finding you. Things have a weird way of happening this way. In the meantime, "lease with options to buy". (where I come from it means dating but no serious commitment) Dont take that meaning literally. LOL Enjoy your life man, you are retired and be patient, you will find what you are looking for.

on another note.

tpiro wrote:

Femae golddigers and male playboys can have each other   

I met this really old PR (public relations)    girl once in a bar, man she was in her 40's. Average age was probably around 25. I later found out that she was beautiful and rich once, made peso equiv millions. Went back to PH bought a house, land, a car, a business. All her. Then one day she met this guy, Playboy type and he used her for everything. After she had $0 to give, he left her. so Now she's in her 40's struggling to just sell a drink in a bar which nobody will buy for her because most men go for the younger prettier ones. Karma huh .... We had some really nice conversations together regarding just life in general

tpiro wrote:

Thanks Coach... I see what ur saying...   I believe there are some STILL good women out there whether in PI or US or anywhere..  It is what it is... Just have to BOLO.

Tpiro. Reality Check. Assume that everyone you will meet in the Philippines is out to rip you off - yes that includes your shirt. Enjoy the ride.

frankanderson wrote:

Coach, I didn't mean they are all bad. It just depends where you meet them. I'm pretty sure those "SERIOUS Filipinas" you mentioned are not hanging around looking for men in a bar on a strip in CEBU.  I agree serious one wants to get married but umm, at the end of the day, they all say that. The Sugar baby I was referring was carrying a LV bag and those ridiculous big GUCCI sun glasses. She just had that arrogant as f... look on her face while walking that "Robinson's Runway". - lol l

Just having sunglasses up at head I see as a big warning flag   

The good ones I have found elsewhere than in bars and malls,  e g at forums about some special interest, which golddiggers arent intested in     

frankanderson wrote:

I don't mean they are all bad and forgive me if I led you to think otherwise. There are good women out there, anywhere in the world actually.

Yes, with the difference in poor countries the good ones want economical security, not needing to worry about affording the BASICS.

frankanderson wrote:

In the meantime, "lease with options to buy". (where I come from it means dating but no serious commitment)

Nonono. Wrong attitude to get a good one from province.  (Although some of them have moved to city and have become SOME less traditional.)

Traditionaly its EXPECTED the man FIRST go to the parents and ask PERMISION to date their daughter. If approved then go to dates as e g restaurants.  NO SEX (except PERHAPS after ENGAGED to marry.) 
(Some years ago I had found a hard working province girl, who worked in city far away at other island so she went home selddom She invited me to meet her family next time she would went home, but I had to cancel because of an injury I coulddnt travel.)

A funny - which ended  sad - story about a good woman I knew:
A Filipino man went to her parents to get such permision. When they sat in sala and he told why he came there, she farted    because she didnt like him.
Later she ended up marrying an alcoholic foreigner, who is violent     , because she fellt she had to marry him just because he had paid just the material to a house to parents (Just 100 000p) . SSo she sacrified herself for her family.
But some funny once he tried to hit her, but he was so drunk so he fell and made a black eye at HIMSELF 

Mike,  well said about being patient.  I couldn't agree with you more and that is why I'm considering the PI move to Cebu...  I just want to find a decent rental condo, eat some filippino foods (have to try'em first), do some fishing, take some boat rides, see different beaches, spend time with a girl, etc.   I get a SS income and a little pension from a job I had.. not a lot but enough to keep me going over there if I keep my expenses down to $1,600   or - a month.  Lord knows I couldn't never survive on that here in the States.  The greatest country in the world and they can't take care of their Veterans and Eldery. Also I'll help some folk less fortunate then I and just do right....  leave all the US BS and the stress and meanness... back here.  So, I am going to give it my best shot to open a new chapter in my life in the Philippines.  Thanks Tony

Bull, don't even believe that. I am married to a wonderful Filipino women and have 2 children with her. We stay in the Philippines and as far as I could see, it is the expats that take advantage.

So before you show a finger or make a comment reflect why you are here. If you haven't come here with your wife, what are you doing here.

If you are here to retire, retire and don't be a predator. Stay where you are if you want to make such comments.

You are not welcome here.

Meiringfrancois... I hope your message/reply was not aimed at me.  I am just inquiring about Cebu and relocating.  Thanks Tony

Nope  Mate. I meant for the person who wanted to degrade the Women most of all and the the Philippines.

You are more than welcome to ask me questions and I  will assist you any anyway.

If people don't want to stay in the Philippines and classify women in that way don't belong here.

Regards,

Oh.. ok m8.. I thought that was directed at me.  Yes.. I will be coming in early 2022 covid restrictions permitted into Cebu... I am so excited to open a new chapter in my life and explore with new people, culture and of course.. the weather (I will adjust).  I am excited to come to the Philippins and can't wait to get there.. Yes.. anything/suggestions that will help me adjust is greatly appreciated.  Be safe,  Tony

@Meiringfrancois - uh who? me ? I'm not degrading women, you really need to read over my post again - nor is it being about coming to the philippines under some predatory nature. No where in any of my post does it involve degrading of women or the philippines..

Anyways if you still think that, I apologize and it is not my intention. - it's probably the lingo that got you confused.

@OP, for you and others to follow/reading. So long as you understand what I'm saying, it's all good. Since we are both from the states

Yes and I agree, it is sad that the greatest country in the world also has some of the greatest problems in the world according to us but by other country standards, our problems are first world problems. Lets not get political here, it's actually against TOS I think   

I don't recall, but don't America also have the highest prison population in the world?

best thing about being retired is you can put all the past behind you and just chill, there are definitely some folks on this forum that is in  the cebu area I think, I recall seeing them here and there.

If you are ever in Manila, look me up and buy you a beer. or if I end up in Cebu in 2022, I'll give you a ping - After all the covid thing goes away of course, stay safe.

coach53 wrote:

snip

oh my, I remember this one incident -

when I was studying mandarin in China, I met this Caucasian fella and he was dating one of the teachers there, she is exactly like you say. NO SEX except perhaps after engage to marry. Province girl, kinda naïve, but a real sweet girl nver the less.

I found it odd that he told me how he flew first class and bragged about his huge house in Canada, etc, on the first day we met. That he installed a Aircon unit for them in their house and they acted like it was the best thing since the invention of slice bread. I kinda saw it coming but I didn't want to get involved.

I went back to visit my teacher after a year or so, I asked her what happen to that couple. Did he take her to Canada? She was told he just abandoned her after he left and it absolutely destroyed her, she quit her job after multiple attempts of suicide and then vanished. It is assumed that the parents sent her or she went back willingly to her province.

I felt so bad afterwards and I wish I did something, I never saw her again.

  sry tony

I doubt it was you that upset the apple cart Frank, what I read was another member having a gripe,,,,,,,, which we all do from time to time. Welcome to the Philippines.

Cheers, Steve.

"If APPLE could make cars (carts?) would it have WINDOWS?
BTW Leasing is a very good/respectable option to have here.

frankanderson wrote:

@Meiringfrancois - uh who? me ? I'm not degrading women, you really need to read over my post again - nor is it being about coming to the philippines under some predatory nature. No where in any of my post does it involve degrading of women or the philippines...

Yes you do     
in traditional Filipino messure.

frankanderson wrote:

lease with options to buy

and such you wrote in two posts.  With the traditional good province women, there are no such option for the man.

coach53 wrote:

frankanderson wrote:

@Meiringfrancois - uh who? me ? I'm not degrading women, you really need to read over my post again - nor is it being about coming to the philippines under some predatory nature. No where in any of my post does it involve degrading of women or the philippines...

Yes you do     
in traditional Filipino messure.

frankanderson wrote:

lease with options to buy

and such you wrote in two posts.  With the traditional good province women, there are no such option for the man.

Only an opinion but I took "try before you buy" as dating, getting to know the person etc. Took no offence.

As for traditional good province women? I see plenty of young single mums with 1,2 or 3 children living in the provinces as well as cities.  Note single and how many of them are married? We have 3 nieces here that have children and none are married, 2 of them the fathers disappeared, the other has a reasonable guy standing with her and raising their child,,,,, but not married. The provincial man obviously contributed to "try before you buy".

I am not lumping them all in the same basket and it's certainly not endemic to the Philippines either provincial or in the big smoke.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Try before you buy The only caveat here is if the buyer never intended to buy, but  only try (Free Sample) until till he found somebody more interesting.

Is not offensive, unmarried couples living together around the world is not unusual.

The problem here is the Church.

First once you buy, there is no such thing as buyers remorse. (Divorce)

Secondly the Church forbids birth control.

Thirdly it is sociably acceptable in the Philippines without buyers remorse to leave as an option.

Lastly for Expats, "Try before you buy", is an insurance policy against fraud. The unmarked fork in the road could either be: The Yellow Brick Road or A Highway To Hell.

You will know once you get there.