kindawn
Vietnamese expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
64
Contacts
16
About me
Vietnamese
Lives in Makati City, Metro Manila
Speaks Vietnamese, English
Registration: 28 August 2017
Expired TRV can travel out of the Philippines?
Hi, I currently have TRV visa but it was expired last Nov 28. Actually I am in the process of renewing the TRV visa but one of the requirement is the Bureau of Quarantine stamp which they require online appointment and there is no slot left until ... Read More
Getting Philippines Driving License nowadays? by kindawn
Anyone tried to convert or get a new Philippines driving license since the pandemic started? I heard there were quite a lots of changes compared to last year so just wonder how was your experience, especially in metro manila. I'm planning to get ...
Thanks for all of your sharing, I guess I will start going to LTO next week to convert mine. Seems like a lot cheaper if you do it yourself instead of going through fixer Read More
Getting Philippines Driving License nowadays?
Anyone tried to convert or get a new Philippines driving license since the pandemic started? I heard there were quite a lots of changes compared to last year so just wonder how was your experience, especially in metro manila. I'm planning to get ... Read More
Will property prices go down due to COVID-19 by Lat61
Will there be house and land bargains to be had in the Philippines because of the world wide economic downturn ?
In 6-8 months if the covid 19 situation is not improving, probably. But not now. Most of the bank are still offering due date extension for their mortgage from Mar. But once the lockdown is lifted in most parts of the country but no vaccine is ... Read More
Catch 22 by Enzyte Bob
My stepson worked at a fine sit down restaurant in the Mega Mall. The owner wants to open up for takeout orders. The owner text him to see if he can come back to work. But, no transportation exists for him to return to work. I would buy a motor ...
If transportation is opened up, it will be crowded again and the current lockdown has no meaning anymore. Then when the time comes, medical system will collapse. If the owner wants him to work, maybe its better if he can provide accommodation for ... Read More
S&R and Landers online shopping by Enzyte Bob
The last time I was out of house was a month ago at S&R. Hired a private car for round trip to S&R for 1,000 php. I spent about 15,000 php which is normal for us. Since the virus started I'm using plastic. I paid my bill with BoA credit ...
the website is metromart.com here's the link https://www.metromart.com/welcome/cities its a company that you have partnership with S&R, just create an account so you could place your order. and they will be the one to buy your groceries to ... Read More
S&R and Landers online shopping by Enzyte Bob
The last time I was out of house was a month ago at S&R. Hired a private car for round trip to S&R for 1,000 php. I spent about 15,000 php which is normal for us. Since the virus started I'm using plastic. I paid my bill with BoA credit ...
My stepson handled it, when he wakes up, I'll have him respond.Much appreciated!! =) Read More
S&R and Landers online shopping by Enzyte Bob
The last time I was out of house was a month ago at S&R. Hired a private car for round trip to S&R for 1,000 php. I spent about 15,000 php which is normal for us. Since the virus started I'm using plastic. I paid my bill with BoA credit ...
May I know which website did you order S&R from? Their website does not seem to have options for online shopping. I do have membership card. Read More
Is there anywhere in this entire country that offers peace and quiet? by GuestPoster2704
[Preface: Sorry guys if this post belongs in another section, but it isn't just about moving or housing, it is about seeking shared experiences and finding solutions to this issue, while asking anyone who may know the answer to the main question ...
Manila American Cemetery in Taguig. Pretty quiet. Neighbors do not talk much also Read More
Home decoration ideas for expats in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello, After moving to the Philippines, setting up home and turning your accommodation into your personal abode can be a great way to start off your new life and feel at home. We would like to know whether expats are keen on decorating and ...
You can try Furniture Source Phil, they import from IKEA items and selling it here, has a showroom in Santolan Metro manila. Otherwise u can wait a bit more, IKEA is expected to open its store near MOA in 2020 Read More
Statutory Deductions for Expat by vinothrau
Hi All , i was hoping to clarify the below items: 1. expats are bound to the following statutory deductions : SSS & PhilHealth? is Pab-IBIG compulsory as well as i believe this is a form of home development mutual fund? 2. is it sufficient ...
Yes it will applies to both period when you hold AEP and 9G Visa afterward. AEP is a temporary work permit for you to work while waiting for your 9g visa application to be reviewed. So as long as you are working legally in the country, statutory ... Read More
Statutory Deductions for Expat by vinothrau
Hi All , i was hoping to clarify the below items: 1. expats are bound to the following statutory deductions : SSS & PhilHealth? is Pab-IBIG compulsory as well as i believe this is a form of home development mutual fund? 2. is it sufficient ...
1. Yes. These are compulsory statutory deductions for all employees (local and expat) in the PH 2. If relying on SSS & PhilHealth alone, it would be enough but the waiting queue and the availbility of accredited clinic might be your problem. It ... Read More
Why are Rentals so expensive in Manila? by Baleze
Hi, I would like to know why the accommodation is so expensive in Manila - NCR. compare to other Asian countries with a high standard level, I noticed that the rent of a rooms, apartment is very high. What's the reason? Also, a lot of workers ...
Mostly because of the chinese in POGO companies. Rental in 2015-2016 when they were not here yet were completely different Read More
Negotiating salary and benefits in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Better job prospects in the Philippines can most certainly be an incentive to leave your country of origin. Securing a contract with the right salary and benefits for you can be crucial to make your move successful. Is salary ...
If you are working in the PH, your company should deduct your income tax in the PH. And it will reflect through a form called BIR 2306. Make sure your company can provide you this if they deduct tax on your payslip. Another thing is that make sure ... Read More
Looking for fellow travel videographer
I'm very interested if we are travelling and creating contents together, or come up with some type of collaboration. But if you are looking for someone who will do the filming then I think you'll need to hire one =) Read More
Are Condos a Good Idea? by tambok17
Is it a good idea to buy a condo in the Philippines? If so, how can one hedge oneself from losing out?
In 2015-2016, yes. At the moment, not good to buy a condo in metro manila anymore (I don't know if its the same at other parts in the PH). Condo price has been increasing significantly due to the influx of Chinese for those online gambling ... Read More
Looking for fellow travel videographer
I am a 27y old vietnamese who has been residing in the PH for almost 3 years. I really enjoying staying here excepts the traffic in metro manila. But I gotta stay here beacause of work. That is why I always try to go out of metro manila to explore ... Read More
Trading Stock in the Philippines? Should or should not
Trading stock nowadays is a popular way for investment, anywhere in the world. But when it comes to the Philippines, should we? Especially for foreigners? Recently BDO has released its online trading platform, BDO Nomura, it is quite useful for ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into the Philippines for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in the ...
How about Clark? I heard that place is booming nowadays Read More
Private Pilot, Info on Flying in Philippines
Maybe some fellow former pilots in the PH could help you out. You might want to check out Angeles Flying Club in Clark, its about 90km away from Metro Manila Angeles Flying Club Read More
GRAB: how reliable from NAIA to destinations outside Manila? by Gelato Fish
I'll be landing in Manila midday on a Saturday next month, and contemplating spending two nights in Tagaytay. I regularly use Grab for transfers into the city, but not to locations beyond that, and wondering if it would be risky to expect to ...
It is better to check the bus. Grab to Tagaytay is surely a lot more expensive than bus. In additions, let's say the driver is based in Metro Manila, thats why he's driving around metro manila. If you book a trip to Tagaytay, he will drive ... Read More
Retiring on 1400 per month can it be done? by Romeow22
Easy to retire on 1400 a month in cebu?
Just an irrelevant question, which subdivision in pasig you are talking about? Its just that I am looking for a house in metro manila also and scouting for different possible locations : ) Read More
Legal Capacity for Marriage in the Philippines by Ashie17
Hello! I'm Ashie, a Filipina. My fianc茅 and I are planning on getting married here in the Philippines. He's a Belgian citizen. Our date of marriage will be on the 15th July 2015. I would just like to ask, about what is the requirements ...
Also, in order to complete the requirement for the license to marriage application, they will requirement the couple to attend marriage consultation seminar. This seminar has schedule so just be prepared to attend it on the required date. Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
Anyone knows a subdivision that has roving security guards and near to the highway to NAIA airport? I assume it would be in the south of metro manila but I could not find reliable details on the internet. Read More
Accommodation in the Philippines: scams you should look out for by Bhavna
Hi, Committing to renting or buying accommodation when you聮re new to or have not moved to the Philippines just yet is always a stressful endeavour. Would you like to help us in putting together a handbook of what to look out for when house ...
Seems like there are a lots to share on this topic. I will not repeat what other has mentioned. Will just share my own experience. 2 years ago I was renting in Makati, rental price has been rocketing there due to an influx of chinese expats working ... Read More
Any skateboarding or soccer clubs?
If you are into playing videogames soccer, you can play fifa with me on ps4 :lol: Read More
getting permanent residency/citizenship and surviving financially by misterinternational
hi, i'm an abc (american born chinese). i have a bachelor's degree in psychology, which is a useless degree. basically i don't have any useful skills. i have a few questions: 1. what are my chances of getting permanent residency ...
Not really because they cannot find job in the Philippines, but more like they can earn more oversea. For example, a nurse or a skilled construction worker can only earn a little in the Philippines given that they are paid by PHP, while working ... Read More
Any tips for work? Going to Philippines in June
If you know other languages than english, try to find the job that requires those language. That would be your advantage since most Filipinos already know english but not other language. The Philippines is a BPO hub and those BPO companies have ... Read More
Get a driver's license in the Philippines as a foreigner by chesspsps
Hi guys, I'm a 23 y.o. French and I'd like to get a driver's license just in case... but in France, it's really expensive and it takes forever to get it, same in Japan, so I'm thinking about getting one in the Philippines, ...
Last time I asked a driving school here, they said one of the requirement for foreigners to get a Philippines driving license is that they must have visa that is valid for 1 year or above, counts from the date of applying. Converting a foreign ... Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
I think the biggest advantage in living in a house in a subdivision / gated community versus a condo complex is flexibility. You don't have restrictions on what appliance you can put in your home (you can't bring a gas stove in most condos). ... Read More
Where to live to commute to British School Manila within 30 - 40 mins
Hi Sean, have you found the house that you wanted? I am now in a similar situation and looking for a place with the same criteria as well Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
Did you buy in a subdivision? Also, did it appreciate well? Like 20-50% after 5 years? Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
I heard about that too. I heard that one guy actually brought out their jetski going around in that area during Ondoy haha Read More
Live in the Philippines as a 23 year old foreigner by chesspsps
Hi, I'm a 23 y.o. French and I know a 27 y.o. Filipina who I've been talking to for more than 3 months, she works in Iraq and we plan on meeting up in the Philippines in July when her contract ends, and have something more ...
I'm working in a BPO. The reason foreign language other than english here is useful because BPO will most likely to have clients in non-english speaking countries. As a result, BPO need native language speaker in order to work with their ... Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
Would you mind if I ask for a price range? and also is it safe to live there? Since I mostly stay in metro manila so I have no idea Read More
Live in the Philippines as a 23 year old foreigner by chesspsps
Hi, I'm a 23 y.o. French and I know a 27 y.o. Filipina who I've been talking to for more than 3 months, she works in Iraq and we plan on meeting up in the Philippines in July when her contract ends, and have something more ...
Hi bro, I'm 28 and have been living here since I were 25. Life in the PH is not a simple life unless you have lots of money. I survived before with around US$ 800 / month but if you have $1000-1500 a month, life would be easier. I am staying in ... Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila? by kindawn
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ...
I thought if its a rich subdivision, it is not supposed to be flooded?.. Read More
Do expats rely on brokers/agents? by BelleonExpat
hi there... just to give you a background i am currently renting out my units in makati. i personally handle this to interview the incoming tenants. i process everything...because i can. most of my tenants are expats and no hassle with our ...
If you agent wants 10-50 units for a client, chances are that client is a chinese online gambling company. They usually have housing accommodation for their chinese staff. Normally they would put bunk beds in the unit so its more like a company ... Read More
Should I buy a house in metro manila?
Pretty straight forward question: should I buy a house in Metro Manila? (Yes it will be under my filipina wife's name and I totally trust her) Anyone has experience living in a house or subdivision in metro manila? I have been here for 3 years ... Read More
Where to learn Tagalog in Metro Manila? by kindawn
Simple question, where can I find a decent course for studying tagalog language? Both online or offline course would do.
Super informative. I'm gonna try this out and update the result after 2-3 months : D Read More
Water Outage in Metro Manila by kindawn
Obviously, there's a shortage of water right now in metro manila. Just want to ask if anyone has any experience dealing with this before? My condo in mandaluyong already doing rationing water through fire trucks, 2 buckets per day. Can't ...
Care in every FLOP. As I stated above, in Cape Town they were perilously close to running out of water after years of very low rainfall. Eventually this year they got some rain which took them from critical and desperate to medium to low water ... Read More
Water Outage in Metro Manila by kindawn
Obviously, there's a shortage of water right now in metro manila. Just want to ask if anyone has any experience dealing with this before? My condo in mandaluyong already doing rationing water through fire trucks, 2 buckets per day. Can't ...
I just got water back yesterday after almost 7 days of water shortage. I were still fortunate since I am living in a 'high-rise' condominium and the management paid the firetruck to come and distribute water. I heard at a more ... Read More
Water Outage in Metro Manila
Obviously, there's a shortage of water right now in metro manila. Just want to ask if anyone has any experience dealing with this before? My condo in mandaluyong already doing rationing water through fire trucks, 2 buckets per day. Can't ... Read More
Where to learn Tagalog in Metro Manila?
Simple question, where can I find a decent course for studying tagalog language? Both online or offline course would do. Read More
French_Filipino by whitefox88
Good Day! I am 31 and my Fiancee is 32 she is French National and we are planning to get married this year, we already applied legal capacity to get married last September 25,2018,I would like to ask if how long mostly it takes to get the ...
Hi, I am a Vietnamese and planning to get married with my Filipina girlfriend as well. For the legal capacity certificate, that depends on the applicant's country, each country has different timeline. And for the embassy, it is correct that only ... Read More
Converting PEZA working visa (47a2) to Temporary Resident Visa (13a)
Has anyone had experience converting 47a2 visa to 13a visa? I have tried to research on BI website but it does not show a specific process for converting between these 2 visas in particular. One of the requirement of PEZA visa I know is that once ... Read More
Where to exchange USD in large quantity in Metro Manila?
Let's say I have around US $5000, where should I go to exchange? In Vietnam, some jewelry stores have this service when you are selling more than $1000, they will come directly to your place so no need to carry a large sum of cash around. Do ... Read More
Buying condo in Metro Manila
Hi everyone, after working in the Philippines for more than 2 years, now I am planning to get a condo unit here. I have found a perfect location for me in Mandaluyong and it's a resale unit, meaning it's from the owner not the real estate ... Read More
What to do in Intramuros, Manila?
I visted the Manila Cathedral but the church of Saint Agustin, not yet, will do next time . Thank you!! Read More
What to do in Intramuros, Manila?
Last weekend I visited the ancient city of Intramuros in Manila. The city once belonged to the Spanish now is a must-go place for people who visit Manila for the first time! I tried to see Casa Manila, Fort Santiago then had to go back since I had ... Read More
One Day At A Farm In the Philippines
Anyone here is concerned about healthy food? I notice the price of organic food inside big cities like Metro Manila is insane. But actually it's very cheap at the farm. I visited one in Laguna and experience the life at the local farm here in the ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
You can also use Johnny Air, their shipping time for medium boxes from the U.S to the PH is around 8 working days. I'm not sure with oversized item but they offer insurance too. Read More
Sharing my views of the Philippines through camera!
Thank you for watching Nicola : ) Read More
Sharing my views of the Philippines through camera!
Don't worry too much, I'm sure people will enjoy watching you experience things anyway. I read your article, very interesting. It's good to see the daily life in Indonesia also. Read More
Sharing my views of the Philippines through camera!
Hi everyone, I'm not a newbie to the Philippines but a newbie to this forum. So far I have dealt with all kind of local people here, jerks, scammers, good people and so far I'm still enjoying it. Recently I've started a new hobby of ... Read More