jonnyboy
English expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
69
Contacts
6
About me
English
Lives in Tagaytay
Registration: 30 August 2015
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Steve . . . . This is indeed a difficult subject and I don't think there's a "right" or a "wrong" view. The only opinions that matter are from people with personal experience! and it also depends on where you are ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Hi Steve Thanks for your comments. My previous post was a reflection on other peoples experiences, not ours. We've had live in help since retiring here 12 years ago, mainly because I'm slightly disabled, and we've been lucky but ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
It's a question of supply and demand but that's what we have to pay ours. Whatever you pay, it's still difficult to find one that you can trust. Certainly my experience, having lived here for 12 years is that we expats are more ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Hi Dennis. . . . . That sounds good. I hope she's interested and think she could be happy here. We have another live in too, so she will not be lonely. Will wait for your contact tomorrow.. . .. best regards. . . . .Mike Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Hi lasvegan I've sent you two replies both have been 'blocked' - A member has kindly pointed out because I gave you my email address it's not allowed? How can we speak - we are very interested in talking with you asap; any ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Thanks Fred. . . . I didn't no that Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Hi lasvegan For some reason my reply to you was not sent. I asked if there's a number where I can call you and my wife can speak to Elana. Rather than than post your number on this open forum I suggested you can contact me by private ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay by jonnyboy
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset.
Hi lasvegan Thanks for the fast response, I appreciate it - I was anticipating sarcastic comments like "where can you find a reliable and honest maid in the Philippines" LOL, but I know they exist having lived here for 12 years. Can you ... Read More
Looking for a housekeeper in Tagaytay
Can anyone recommend a reliable and honest helper for a live in position - large house at Tagaytay, British/Filipino retired couple, no children? Being able to drive would be an asset. Read More
Where do you live (or are thinking of living) in the Philippines & why by pej1111
I am currently looking around and trying to think of where I could call home in the Philippines. Just wondering why you live (or are thinking of living) in the Philippines and why? As you we all know the Philippines has numerous island's, I am ...
Ask 10 experts for advice on anything in the Philippines and you will get ten totally opposing opinions - that includes lawyers and real estate peddlers. Nothing is straight forward here, , , , Read More
Where do you live (or are thinking of living) in the Philippines & why by pej1111
I am currently looking around and trying to think of where I could call home in the Philippines. Just wondering why you live (or are thinking of living) in the Philippines and why? As you we all know the Philippines has numerous island's, I am ...
Tagaytay in Cavite - has everything you are looking for . . . Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
This is The Philippines - nothing's fair if you are expat Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Okieboy summed it up perfectly. You can examine all the schemes and dreams about ownership here but my advice based on having lived here since 2008 is this. Don't invest one penny in anything in the Philippines that you can't afford to ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Calif-Native has eloquently described in several post, how complicated the laws are here, especially when it comes to owning land. My advice to any westerner even thinking of coming to the Philippines: come and live here for a couple years and you ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Read very carefully everything that Calif-Native says because the road to the airport is well trodden by expats who went bust thinking they can find a way around the legal system here, or who thought they could set up businesses without ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Be VERY CAREFUL with land and ownership issues in the Philippines. It's very complicated. Best advice is always rent at least for a couple of years to see if this is really the place for you. Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Tony I think many expats who have lived here for some time would agree that as a foreigner you can own a condo. The condo building however must be owned 60% by filipinos but 40% is available to foreigners. You will find when you've been here a ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
WRONG. If you are legally married and the wife dies first and provided she has a legal will leaving her entire estate to you, you will inherit; it's the only way a foreigner can own land here. But, if your wife dies intestate (no will) then you ... Read More
MEMBERS IN TAGAYTAY
Any members living in Tagaytay interested in meeting up sometime for coffee?. . . .Jonnyboy Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Sorry to hear of your case and hope you get a successful outcome. I have lived here for nearly ten years and know of many cases where foreigner's have tried to win in court. One guy in my sub division was attacked and badly beaten 11 years ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Hi Richard. . . . I notice you are getting some offers of land and I would suggest, from one Brit to another, you treat with extreme caution any offer from Filipino or any other sources when it comes to buying land here. As a foreigner expressing ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
It really is a minefield here. If you're married to a Filipina the title is in her name but you are clearly named as 'being married to' and in the unfortunate event she died, you can legally inherit the property - the only way a ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Hi Richard Like everything in the Philippines, you can ask ten people what are the facts and get ten different opinions. From my ten years experience living here I would be very careful if you plan to buy land, because there are some real horror ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Hi David Buying land in the Philippines is one thing, but legally owning land is something else - in short, you can't own land here as a foreigner Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Perhaps like many others, I actually lived in the Philippines (24/7) for several years before I learned that (a) what I thought was or should be possible and (b) what I was told is possible, including by lawyers who each gives a different version ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Excellent comment Teejay. Anyone thinking of coming here should understand that this is the Philippines and you can't just make an agreement between two parties (married or not) and think it will stand up in court. The laws are archaic, ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
I think the law of succession is pretty clear. As far as I am aware, as a foreigner you cannot purchase a property 'with' your wife. The property must be in your wife's name, with you shown on the title deed as the spouse. Despite ... Read More
Complaint against a hospital administration. by jonnyboy
Can anyone tell me how to (or is it possible) to make a formal complaint against a hospital (Luzon?). I have a genuine complaint; I have written to the hospital involved and had meetings with them; they acknowledge the complaint, promise to ...
Hi, MaroBautista I agree with you. Nationality does not come into it. Some people are always ready to make bad comments about everything and anything. I have also lived here for a few years and know that many things are not up to European ... Read More
Complaint against a hospital administration. by jonnyboy
Can anyone tell me how to (or is it possible) to make a formal complaint against a hospital (Luzon?). I have a genuine complaint; I have written to the hospital involved and had meetings with them; they acknowledge the complaint, promise to ...
With respect, that is somewhat disingenuous. Many systems work very well here, just not the medical system, except maybe hospitals like St Luke's, Asian, Medical city etc. Read More
Complaint against a hospital administration. by jonnyboy
Can anyone tell me how to (or is it possible) to make a formal complaint against a hospital (Luzon?). I have a genuine complaint; I have written to the hospital involved and had meetings with them; they acknowledge the complaint, promise to ...
Hi. . . .Thanks for your comment. I have considered that but surely there is a mechanism somewhere to formally handle complaints against private hospitals. . . . .I just can't figure out where it is. Read More
Complaint against a hospital administration. by jonnyboy
Can anyone tell me how to (or is it possible) to make a formal complaint against a hospital (Luzon?). I have a genuine complaint; I have written to the hospital involved and had meetings with them; they acknowledge the complaint, promise to ...
Thanks for your comment. . . . . .yes, hospitals here appear to have little or no interest in providing anything approaching a good health service; only grabbing as much money and in ripping off (especially) foreigners. I have heard that there is a ... Read More
Complaint against a hospital administration.
Can anyone tell me how to (or is it possible) to make a formal complaint against a hospital (Luzon?). I have a genuine complaint; I have written to the hospital involved and had meetings with them; they acknowledge the complaint, promise to ... Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
This only applies to buying some condos Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
Hi Carie I live in Tagaytay. Planned to spend the day at Mall of Asia last Thursday; four hours to drive the 55Kms to get there - nose to tail traffic all the way. Thought we would come home via Cavitex to avoid the Imus traffic - still took 4 ... Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
Hi Carie Everything you say is valid. You are indeed fortunate to be able to "really feel and see the true colors and smell the perfume" of the country although having driven down Cavitex towards Cavite on Thursday, the ... Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
Hi Carie Excellent piece. Many dream of living a wonderful life here in paradise, but many have also learned that dreams can become nightmares too. My advice to any westerner planning to live permanently here is to think seriously about how ... Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
Either way, a foreigner cannot own land here, except through hereditary succession if you are married to a Filipino and she dies before you. Either way, make sure that you and your wife have a good will! Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
NO. . . this is the Philippines Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Thanks for your comment; I am secure. Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
davtjo . . . . Who is wrong and about what? If you refer to my previous post, I am 100% correct in what I said. The law is PERFECTLY CLEAR about a foreigner owning land through hereditary succession and cannot be interpreted in any other way. ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
The laws of the Philippines are archaic to say the least which is why a legal will, dealt with by a reputable lawyer, is essential here. I strongly suggest the trustees to the will should include at least one close (friend) westerner; not only ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
The law of the Philippines IS QUITE CLEAR; a foreigner legally married to a Filipino can own property through hereditary succession should the wife die. The importance of having a legal will here. Read More
Expand your social circle in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to the Philippines means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one ...
Dondee 31 My experience is similar to yours. I actually have made many expat friends here but unfortunately none that I have anything in common with. Making friends with Filipinos is both easy and difficult too because of culture differences. ... Read More
Expand your social circle in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to the Philippines means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one ...
Hi Mikenjane I have lived in Tagaytay for the past eight years. There are many ex pats living in this area and several expat groups that meet regularly which I know of, Germans, British and so on. Read More
Expand your social circle in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to the Philippines means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one ...
Very difficult to make GOOD friends here. If you're a beer drinking, chain smoking grossly overweight guy chasing females same age as your granddaughter maybe? Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Don't understand the question - sorry Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Immee. . . .the law is very clear on foreigners buying land and/or property in the Philippines Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
Foreigners CANNOT BUY/OWN LAND IN THE PHILIPPINES. . .period. Re my previous post - as things are NOW the only way a foreigner can own land in the Philippines is through hereditary succession. There is of course no shortage of Filipinos trying to ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
As things are NOW the only way a foreigner can own land in the Philippines is through hereditary succession. Read More
My expat husband is facing a legal problem by annaganda
Good day to all,This is about my husband who is a swiss national who just moved with me in the Phils. Last Christmas,our neighbor had a party and started playing the videoke at 2pm in the afternoon until 4am the next day.. aside fm the loud ...
Me too Munchie - I am a permanent resident with PRA visa. Read More
My expat husband is facing a legal problem by annaganda
Good day to all,This is about my husband who is a swiss national who just moved with me in the Phils. Last Christmas,our neighbor had a party and started playing the videoke at 2pm in the afternoon until 4am the next day.. aside fm the loud ...
Before I retired here in 2008 I read the forums and heeded one bit of advice which cropped up time and again. Never get into a fight with a Filipino because you will never win. . . .and never get into a legal battle because you won't win that ... Read More
Opening a small food businesses in the philippines by yooaavv
Hey guys! First of all, excuse me for my English, it's not my native language. I'm planning to move in the summer to the Philippines(or other third world country in Asia, but Philippines is the current planning) and open a small food cart ...
As an entrepreneur with more that 50 years business experience, listen to Aussie Dave. . . .you stand no chance of success with such a business. Read More
feel liked or disliked in Tagaytay??? by mikenjane
From Subic to Cebu to Angeles, even Manila, over the years Pinas have always been smiling and nice. This time we are in Tagaytay and it seems the world difference. The weather is great but it seems the people have a disdain for foreigners for some ...
Must disagree! - I've lived in Tagaytay for seven years There are a great many expats here, British and American and many other nationalities and all seem pretty happy. Very friendly place and helpful people everywhere and very little crime. ... Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
If you're foreign forget about owning property here - the laws in the Philippines are archaic Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
My information the best by far is lease. Using a company it must be 40/60% - so the Filipino with 60% effectively owns it. With lease I think also you you do not have an estate tax liability. Read More
looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house by drjones2013
I looking to buy land in Philippines and build my house. Please will someone give me contact information on builders and places where I can buy material.
A foreigner cannot own land in the Philippines. There are plenty of sources of building materials - depends where you are Read More
Buying land in Philippines by boriloco
As long as I can remember forigners can't buy land,but recently someone told me a new law has been passed,does anyone have more information about this law and it's details?
A foreigner CANNOT own property/land in the Philippines. Under some circumstances a foreigner can purchase a condominium. Read More
Maids and Nurses - cost of? by pej1111
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are for the cost of a maid and or a nurse? (live in or otherwise) I am planning for the future and if I make the move here it will be for life.
Is that the live in rate for nurses? - we are at Tagaytay, Cavite Read More
Making phone calls in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in the Philippines, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in the Philippines? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank ...
Exactly, It asks for people's experiences - my experience as British, it does not work for calls to UK, or so I am told Read More
Making phone calls in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in the Philippines, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in the Philippines? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank ...
Magic Jack is OK for States but cant use it for UK......we live in Tagaytay too! Read More
Making phone calls in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in the Philippines, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in the Philippines? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank ...
MY EXPERIENCE ONLY!!!! I retired here (Tagaytay, Cavite) in October 2008 - applied for a landline (and chased progress many times since then) as at 12 October 2015 STILL WAITING. Three mobile suppliers are GLOBE, SMART and SUN - all equally ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Agree with dldeleaf completely. Best advice for foreigners is don't buy property in the Philippines; it's a very bad bet and is like buying a new car, drive it out of the showroom and you immediately lose 25%. If you want to avoid losing ... Read More
Maids and Nurses - cost of? by pej1111
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are for the cost of a maid and or a nurse? (live in or otherwise) I am planning for the future and if I make the move here it will be for life.
Going rate for maids is much higher in the cities. We are in Cavite and going rate here is 4000 pesos Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Foreigners cannot own property in the Philippines, period. Doesn't matter who's name it is in - it's hers. Only thing you can own as a foreigner is an approved condominium. Read More