USAMichael
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
52
About me
American
Lives in Cavite
Registration: 30 October 2015
Ways to save money when Living in the Philippines! by pej1111
Feel free to post all and everything about saving money. From money transfers through to growing your own food, and everything in-between.
The thing is, Bob, that moving to the US was and is a lifelong dream of my wife. As you probably know, getting off the archipelgo to be an OFW somewhere is major obsession for Philippinos. There is even a huge Philippine government agency ... Read More
Ways to save money when Living in the Philippines! by pej1111
Feel free to post all and everything about saving money. From money transfers through to growing your own food, and everything in-between.
Yes, admittedly, it is odd, I send money to my Filipina wife who lives and works in Queens, NYC, NY as a HHA since August, 2017. Should be the other way around, right? To make it even odder, I send her $400 a month and she is now making about ... Read More
Ways to save money when Living in the Philippines! by pej1111
Feel free to post all and everything about saving money. From money transfers through to growing your own food, and everything in-between.
You can live on. 22,300 pesos a month without trying too hard. Biggest expenses are daily allowance and I allow myself 500 pesos a day figuring most Phil. people live on less than that. Then you should look long and hard for an economical rent. I ... Read More
What to expect when moving to the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to the Philippines? For example, transportation, internet speeds, types of housing, aspects of the culture or social life. In your opinion, what's the most important thing ...
Expect that you will get overcharged for a lot of stuff, e.g., rent, taxis, frmale company, tricycle rides, etc. This is mainly because such behavior is to be expected from an extremely poor population who have been inculcated with a strong belief ... Read More
Traffic in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in the Philippines, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend ...
I am retired, so no commute, but I still have to run errands. I am not kidding when I say, I take my life in my hands every time I put my 100CC motorcycle on the road. You better be ready for anything at any moment. I pity those who drive a ... Read More
Paying bills in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in the Philippines? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the ...
Its a great deal different than in the USA. You go to the specific office or to a Bayad Center. Do not send it by mail and I have not seen any bills paid online. You need to walk physically into the Water Department, for example, and march ... Read More
SRRV some basic questions by Buzzardman
I live in UK and am looking to move out to Philippines on a SRRV. I have been googling away for information on the details of the procedures and have a couple of questions that I am not clear about. Sorry if they seem a bit simplistic, but I would ...
Well, Buzzardman: It seem the devil is in the details,I.e. $ 360 yearly fee (well, maybe he meant piso). Anywho, I didn't mean to rain on your parade. As foreign digs go, Philippines is about par. Heck, I live here and the main ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Prince Dennison: Okay, where to start...? First of all you need to brush up your writing of English. But I know where you are coming from and my Tagalog writing skills are much worse than your brave attempt at a written coherent argument in ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
The best Filipino conversationalist in English for me was a "Chat Girl" (really more of a woman) from Bacolod, who I used to hold extensive Skype conversations with for hours, from the states. Of course, she was externally motivated by ... Read More
How much is enough for a new life? by expatfever
For those that have successfully opened and ran a successful business in the PI what would you do with saving of about 2,000,000P. Any for those of you who have not been so successful what lessons would you pass on to not see someone else make your ...
Have you ever lived with your wife for an extended period of time in the Philippines? I am not talking about a vacation with her but actually living here with her. Some people act quite differently in their own country especially toward a ... Read More
SRRV some basic questions by Buzzardman
I live in UK and am looking to move out to Philippines on a SRRV. I have been googling away for information on the details of the procedures and have a couple of questions that I am not clear about. Sorry if they seem a bit simplistic, but I would ...
Where to start? Uhh...are you temporarily out of your mind? Why waste the money and tie up 500,000 piso when you don't even know if you will like it here? If you do like it here you, you will probably have a wife in which case you can get a ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Ninety-nine percent of those who learn a foreign language speak that foreign language with an accent. Many find an accent to be charming. Many foreign language teachers say"do not lose your accent as it is part of who you are." I ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Priscilla: I have been in Phil. for 5 years. I think I speak more Tagalog than 90 percent of expats. No, I do not think it is essential to "fully integrate." Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
EJK-so common now, it has its own shorthand descriptor. There have been five EJKs within my smallish town. Personally, I am very concerned for several reasons. These reasons are mostly obvious and even a Filipino could figure them out. Further ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Fred, you are a very mysterious guy as very little is given. And, forgive me, perhaps an odd duck, you offered your status as a Muslim from a first-world.country. Also your naivete indicates some inexperience possibly youthful. My advice, ... Read More
Driving motorbike in the Phils by Fukurokuju
Hi ! I'm french and I'm going to live and work in Manila soon. I would like to drive a motorbike over there. I learned that with my french driver's license I could drive a motorbike in the Phils even if I do not have this option in ...
I agree, it is the norm when driving to have somebody or something run out in front of you. Expect it always. Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Fred: In order for a remark to be "humor" it must be close to funny. Your remark? Uhh...no. A few facts: I am married to a Philippina I met online. My first Philippina wife, who I met through her sister in US, passed away. ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
In defense of my personal hygiene and in response to the wag that told me to "shower more frequently and the problem will go away," I dp shower everyday with soap and usuaaly apply deorderant and talcom powder. A person needs to do that ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Sometimes maybe it comes down to economics. I have about $1100 in pension, (I make 300 more but I have a credit card debt) and the Phil. fits my budget. If I had about $1600 per month I d consider Thailand. The ladies there are just as pretty ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Good people can agree to disagree...especiaaly about Digong. Even his own cabnet probably comes to each meeting NOT know what version of dementia will show up. But to the general question about Phil. people: To your face and /or if you are with ... Read More
Manila Taxi rules by swegolf1956
Manila Taxi Rule. Taxi drivers will undoubtedly try to cheat you. Expect it. One occasion as the price climbed to 1600 pesos per kilometer I just nodded my head. When we got stopped in a decent area in heavy traffic I got out and walked the ...
Call da gendarmes you say? Now that is the GREENIST comment I ve seen for a while. Waste of your time. Read More
Manila Taxi rules by swegolf1956
Manila Taxi Rule. Taxi drivers will undoubtedly try to cheat you. Expect it. One occasion as the price climbed to 1600 pesos per kilometer I just nodded my head. When we got stopped in a decent area in heavy traffic I got out and walked the ...
Darn those are some paranoid rules but I know thr feeling. About 60 percent of the taxi drivers will try to cheat you in Manila in one way or another. Mostly its little stuff but bothersome like telling you a price which is too much and they are ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
My replies have been negative. Let me list some positives; If you like warmish weather you will find it here, you can find a pleasing female to share your bed with (it will cost you but its less cost than states and the lady will no doubt have a ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Steer clear of all police , and all courts. Do not think the police will treat you fairly. They are grossly underpaid and will side with any Philippino you get in a hassle with. Indeed if you get into a hassle with a Philippino YOU WILL LOSE so ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
I agree with most of what you say but Duterte, He really really hates Americans with a long-lasting and blinding fury and has hated us all his adult life. It will not end from him. Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
Safe it is here in P-land. Never had violence committed on me. Been cheated a billion times, food is generally not good (unless you train your wife to cook), and traffic is awful--really really bad, noise is everywhere, people pretend to speak ... Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
My experience which spans over 10 years, 2 Phil. wives, and 4 years in country: many, many philippinos donot like foreigners especially Americans. They will never tell you to your face but resentment and mindless blaming of America runs very deep. Read More
current conditions in the Philippines ? by TheDigitalMage
I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans. I have to wonder... Is this a country currently feeling anti-american? Will I be safe? I'm 67 and a bad leg... I was ...
yeah, you can find a wife here. No problem. Just keep her and her relatives at arm's length because basically they, both lady and family, want one thing from you: money and what it can buy. They do not want your 67 year old body with the bad ... Read More
Driving motorbike in the Phils by Fukurokuju
Hi ! I'm french and I'm going to live and work in Manila soon. I would like to drive a motorbike over there. I learned that with my french driver's license I could drive a motorbike in the Phils even if I do not have this option in ...
One of the best drivers in the world? ? Huh? Probably wouldn't make the Top Ten. No...not in the Top Twenty. No....Not in the Top 100. No training (except what his Kuya taught him), No knowledge of Rules of the Road ('cause there ... Read More
Hi Everybody, I am a rookie by robben789
Hi Everybody, I am a rookie, from China, just arrived in Manila in the first half of the year, I work here local people including the colleagues of the company are very optimistic and friendly. I would like to know more friends, because my English ...
Welcome to the Philippines, Robben. I think most people would agree there is an evolution of attitudes toward the Philippines that people who settle here go through. First there is a "honeymoon" period. In this you think ... Read More
Driving motorbike in the Phils by Fukurokuju
Hi ! I'm french and I'm going to live and work in Manila soon. I would like to drive a motorbike over there. I learned that with my french driver's license I could drive a motorbike in the Phils even if I do not have this option in ...
Dear Motorcycle guy: In Manila Metropolitan area or near there, you need a Philippino license. Because you will get stopped at checkpoints and they will look over your license and your registration. Also in Manila you need a bike of ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
So, Fred, by your lights, if you move to a foreign country you give your right to express yourself and your opinions because....hmm....lets see....because this is somebody else's country and you are only a guest and you better keep your ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
Like your reply. And you have my sympathy. Especially since you seem to have made an investment. You, like me, are probably living right among Filipino people not in some western enclave where it is all foreigners. That is part of the ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
Ma'am: You are so correct about the use of that word to describe some unseemly (to me) behavior of a citizen of our host country. My apologies. No excuses offered. Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
Thank you for your reasoned reply and what you say is so true. I have also experienced noise during my 62 years in the US. However, I must say that overall the US is a bit more intolerant. I watched police come to my brother's ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
Oh yeah, Mad Hatter, I concur. One of the most useful phrases, in Tagalog, for me is. AKO MUNA. Or "I'm first." I have said it a dozen times. Of course, when you call them on it, they look at you, discover you are a foreigner ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
Thanks, Good advice and I suppose you're right. I lived in Chna for a couple of months and it was noisy there, in Lin Fen, provincial city where firecrackers were a daily way of life as the four million people set them off at every wedding, ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
You can say all that again. You sound like a man just like me. However, as miserable as this place can be it does fit my budget. I lived in the states for 61 years and I'm kind of tired of that place also (add to that the high prices you ... Read More
30k USD annual pension. Can i lead comfortable life in Davao? by baron.ward
Well been to the Philippines a few times and mainly stayed in Manila but loved Davao and I could certainly live there after meeting so many people. I was made redundant in Perth after 21 years in the Government, On my return there is no chance here ...
Baron-Ward In Davao City I don't know. I pay 4000 Pisos in a provincial town full of bundok people and no decent restaurants about 25 kilometers from Manila in the growing and crowded province of Cavite. I have two bedrooms ... Read More
Why is it so NOISY in the Philippines??
I've been here a long time and one thing I find hard to get used is all the SUPER-ANNOYING NOISE I have to put up with. For example: Right now I'm in an Internet Cafe and some male monkey between the ages of 15 and 25, one aisle ... Read More
When you seperate from your girlfriend in Philippines. by neptune1967
This is an incredible topic. Many foreign men just do not know the implications of living with your girlfriend and just what can happen when and I say when not if you break up. If anyone is in this situation or thinks they are then discussion is ...
Let me first apologize for generalizing about all Filipina women. You are obviously the exception and your husband sounds like an exceptionally mixed-up and spoiled individual. Your reply got me thinking...and some self-examination: How ... Read More
When you seperate from your girlfriend in Philippines. by neptune1967
This is an incredible topic. Many foreign men just do not know the implications of living with your girlfriend and just what can happen when and I say when not if you break up. If anyone is in this situation or thinks they are then discussion is ...
Sounds as if you are quite experienced and now sadder but wiser. One thing I would say is about the guys who come here and really get taken for all they have. We all have heard stories of these poor devils who have paid and are still paying. Maybe ... Read More
When you seperate from your girlfriend in Philippines. by neptune1967
This is an incredible topic. Many foreign men just do not know the implications of living with your girlfriend and just what can happen when and I say when not if you break up. If anyone is in this situation or thinks they are then discussion is ...
Yes, it is true. We expats are and will be getting screwed in the Philippines. And you can take that both ways. But what do you expect? Most of us come here with little idea what the overwhelming majority of Philippinos and Philippinas ... Read More
Staying illegal In the Philippines. by Panth
I know of a American guy no names, Who as over stayed for 8 months now. This the way it went He and is Pinay Girlfriend/ partner bought tickets to fly to america, Went to Manila airport "No exit visa" So they could not fly out. They went ...
My first thought is that the man is mentally ill. If so, his relatives in the states should be contacted and maybe they will help. It being a health issue, albeit mental health, the US Embassy may have some way to assist him. A local doctor could ... Read More
Best way to earn a income whilst a expat by sbleakley21
Im looking to move to the Philippines permanent and wondered what would be the best way to earn a income to support myself? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Personally, I'm retired, 66 years old, and get two relatively small pensions from the US. I don't have to work and have not since I moved here in 2012. I have a touch of arthrities also and this keeps me down a little. Sometimes ... Read More
13 a Marriage Visa by USAMichael
How long does it really take to get your Marriage Visa. I applied two months ago and my name still does not appear on the Bureau of Philippines Website. I thought it would only take two months but I could be wrong. I'm dealing with the ...
Good advice, and I am partial to San Migs--the original. The Bureau will never get a change of address notification from me. We use the ancestral home address for everything since we have moved maybe 5 times in my three years in the Philippines. ... Read More
Electricity costs by DamoRugby
Hi guys. Can anyone please tell me the approximate cost of electricity for a month to run a decent sized 1 or small 2 bed apartment. Thanks
I live in Naic.in Cavite in case you've never heard of Naic (Nigh Eek) I have 3 electric fans, refrigerator, hot plate, TV and a bunch of lights. There are two of us--me and my wife. We pay 1,300 to 1,600 every month. I have learned ... Read More
13 a Marriage Visa by USAMichael
How long does it really take to get your Marriage Visa. I applied two months ago and my name still does not appear on the Bureau of Philippines Website. I thought it would only take two months but I could be wrong. I'm dealing with the ...
Thank you for your reply. I now have my first probationary marriage visa but I have to go back again next week or the week after if I don't have the energy, to Manila to pick up my "I" Card. All in all, it was not so bad and ... Read More
Canadian coming Philippines wanting ideas for investing by PhilCanbeno1
Hello everyone Salamat for accepting me to your blog. I have been reading several the questions and answers it us great exchange ideas. I have been to Manila twice and spent several trips and time China. I am looking for investment oppurtunities, ...
If you have $20,000 dollars to invest Don't invest it in the Philippines. And don't "start a business" here like every other Philippino or Philippina will tell you. It is just a sham and chances are 20 to 1 you'll lost ... Read More
13 a Marriage Visa
How long does it really take to get your Marriage Visa. I applied two months ago and my name still does not appear on the Bureau of Philippines Website. I thought it would only take two months but I could be wrong. I'm dealing with the ... Read More