Morgacj2004
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
64
Contacts
2
About me
American
Speaks English
Registration: 31 January 2018
Medical treatment in Dumaguette possibly the result of the Philippines by Patient pete
My experience may be useful for other expats. In hospitals I have been in in Dumaguette and camarines sur normal practice in order to avoid changing sheets is to install a catheter for pee, and a diaper for poop. Very convenient for the hospital but ...
@danfinn valuable duties like texting!聽 lol Read More
Recommendations for a bank for a joint account? by yiqipo
hi we are having problems with our joint bank account at Metrobank. Specifically, it does not give every account holder of a joint account independent access for online banking. So only one account holder in a joint account can access the account ...
@yiqipoI would recommend PNB. my wife and i have been banking with them for 5 years with no issues We transfer a 2k per month mortgage payment from our Charles Schwab checking account in the states to PNB and over the past five years have ... Read More
SRRV compared to ACR by stillbiker
What is better SRRV or ACR?
I would recommend PNB. my wife and i have been banking with them for 5 years with no issues We transfer a 2k per month mortgage payment from our Charles Schwab checking account in the states to PNB and over the past five years have transferred ... Read More
Recommendations for a bank for a joint account? by yiqipo
hi we are having problems with our joint bank account at Metrobank. Specifically, it does not give every account holder of a joint account independent access for online banking. So only one account holder in a joint account can access the account ...
Married to a Pinay We have used PNB for years with no issues I found it easy to get an account with them even before i got my 13 A Read More
SRRV compared to ACR by stillbiker
What is better SRRV or ACR?
@stillbiker i think you mean what is better the SRRV or 13 A The ACR card is not a Visa it is an ID card If you are military SRRV woukd be a good choice If you are married to a Pinay 13 A if you are ex military anf married to a Pinay you shoukd ... Read More
Evolution of banking services in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, With rapid technological advancements, banking services are digitizing at lightning speed. Expats are thus propelled into a new era of options and payment methods, disrupting the traditional banking services of local ...
@frenschfred you have to take the good with the bad but remember even in the US we are often faced with banking issues. Take for example the Wells Fargo scandal, recent bank default in silicon valley, bank bail outs in last recession, long hold ... Read More
Evolution of banking services in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, With rapid technological advancements, banking services are digitizing at lightning speed. Expats are thus propelled into a new era of options and payment methods, disrupting the traditional banking services of local ...
@Enzyte Bob thats what i do. I take pics of my checks using my i phone and then deposit in my Charles Schwab account. I then transfer to my PNB using Pangea or Remitly Read More
Suprise at Landers Today by Enzyte Bob
In the past the question has come up about Turkeys for Thanksgiving (USA). Today I saw Honeysuckle Turkeys at Landers, I didn't notice the price but I just checked online and it is P2693.70 for 7.3kg. With today's exchange rate that is $47.50.In ...
@Larry Fishermaybe on my next trip to Argao in January Read More
Suprise at Landers Today by Enzyte Bob
In the past the question has come up about Turkeys for Thanksgiving (USA). Today I saw Honeysuckle Turkeys at Landers, I didn't notice the price but I just checked online and it is P2693.70 for 7.3kg. With today's exchange rate that is $47.50.In ...
We live in Royal Palms next to Maayo Resort my wife and daughter are currently there. I will be back from US second week in November Maybe we can get together for coffee Read More
Suprise at Landers Today by Enzyte Bob
In the past the question has come up about Turkeys for Thanksgiving (USA). Today I saw Honeysuckle Turkeys at Landers, I didn't notice the price but I just checked online and it is P2693.70 for 7.3kg. With today's exchange rate that is $47.50.In ...
@Larry Fisher We are in Argao Larry, where are you living? Read More
Sensitive Issue - Need confidential advice by AussieLUVPhillipines
Hi there Aussie Expats.I too am Aussie, and after going through a tough divorce a few years back and heading towards mid 50's, I want out of this country. I need my sanity and happiness back.I've fallen in LUV with the Philippines, as you all must ...
@AussieLUVPhillipinesHello from Anchorage Alaska and Argao Philippines. I was a single father for many years. My two children from that relationship are now adults. I was successful in getting primary custody due to having a good family law ... Read More
Suprise at Landers Today by Enzyte Bob
In the past the question has come up about Turkeys for Thanksgiving (USA). Today I saw Honeysuckle Turkeys at Landers, I didn't notice the price but I just checked online and it is P2693.70 for 7.3kg. With today's exchange rate that is $47.50.In ...
@R茅al MarchandI order from Amazon all the times. I am a prime member I ship both to PI or US as i spend time in both places. Shipping is reliable and have had no problems By far my favorite country to deal with. i was pleasantly ... Read More
Suprise at Landers Today by Enzyte Bob
In the past the question has come up about Turkeys for Thanksgiving (USA). Today I saw Honeysuckle Turkeys at Landers, I didn't notice the price but I just checked online and it is P2693.70 for 7.3kg. With today's exchange rate that is $47.50.In ...
Thats about the same price we pay in Anchorage AK when it is not on sale. i prefer ham anyway less expensive and not so dry Read More
My solar experience - in a video - because no one reads so much text by GoetzPhil
I installed my 4KW plant 18 month ago, upgraded it 6 month ago with a 2nd 10KW battery and just last month upgraded from 4KW to 6KW.Its a video, because I guess even everyone tells so, most of you wont read the 20K text script I prepared for it.So ...
This has NOTHING to do with the Philippine Government, politics, religion or other taboo subject. This is a blog for foreigners! If you are happy with the moderation so be it. I have a duty and responsibility to object if I believe it has gone too ... Read More
My solar experience - in a video - because no one reads so much text
@Cheryl very silly @ Cheryl. This was an informative video I wanted to see. You promote the link and then remove the video. Plain stupid. I will go to You Tube. Not a good way to keep viewers. Read More
ok, so sometimes I'm a little slow. (Getting money) by Larry Fisher
When I first arrived, I landed with $9900 USD since I didn't know when/how I would be getting my money here exactly. I went to exchanges, cringing every time I saw 2p exchange rate juice. Usually I would do $1000 - $1500 USD so I wouldn't have to ...
@Lotus Eater I would agree especially if it is their first visit. I have brought more than that to the PI but have been coming here for 20 + years now and rarely travel alone. Especially important to have relatives or close friends picking you up ... Read More
ok, so sometimes I'm a little slow. (Getting money) by Larry Fisher
When I first arrived, I landed with $9900 USD since I didn't know when/how I would be getting my money here exactly. I went to exchanges, cringing every time I saw 2p exchange rate juice. Usually I would do $1000 - $1500 USD so I wouldn't have to ...
@Larry Fisher sorry that happened to you. I have had nothing but good experiences with Charles Schwab. Read More
How much downfall in the real estate market fall do you expect? by Lothar Scholz
The market in China is totally collapsing and this will have a huge impact on all of Asia. Most developers i see here in Mindanao are just Chinese, like Evergrande is big in Davao and Tagum. In China we can see that firesales (when forced to take ...
The Condo market esp in Cebu and Manila is way overbuilt. I know several people stuck with luxury condos in both cities. No thanks. We saw the same thing happen in the US during the last recession. I would not buy a condo at this time unless you ... Read More
Looking to retire in PH in 2026 any advice is welcome by tonyuk6340
Hello all, im Tony, 37 from the UK. Currently employed in HM Forces and will retire from service mid 2026. looking to retire to Ph, i currently have a GF living there and i have previously visited this year. Any advice on where to start in moving ...
My advice rent don鈥檛 buy living in the PI is different from visiting Great patience is required. If you get married do so in the PI rather than your home country. It is cheaper and also will confirm your GF true intentions (love vs green ... Read More
ok, so sometimes I'm a little slow. (Getting money) by Larry Fisher
When I first arrived, I landed with $9900 USD since I didn't know when/how I would be getting my money here exactly. I went to exchanges, cringing every time I saw 2p exchange rate juice. Usually I would do $1000 - $1500 USD so I wouldn't have to ...
I use the Charles Schwab card and for larger amounts Pangea or Remitly. Pangea usually has a slightly better exchange rate. Remember don鈥檛 bring more than 9999 USD cash / TC when coming to PI. Read More
ok, so sometimes I'm a little slow. (Getting money) by Larry Fisher
When I first arrived, I landed with $9900 USD since I didn't know when/how I would be getting my money here exactly. I went to exchanges, cringing every time I saw 2p exchange rate juice. Usually I would do $1000 - $1500 USD so I wouldn't have to ...
@bizwizard I also use the Schwab debit card. Good exchange rate and NO fees. !! Read More
13a Permanent visa to citizenship by Greyrock74
I鈥檓 thinking of getting married to a Filipino woman. I work out in the UAE teaching and only spend time in the Philippines three times each year visiting her. I know the first step is to sort out documents and get married. I think then I can ...
@GiampietroFI not correct. My source is 鈥渞ecent personal experience 鈥� Read More
13a Permanent visa to citizenship by Greyrock74
I鈥檓 thinking of getting married to a Filipino woman. I work out in the UAE teaching and only spend time in the Philippines three times each year visiting her. I know the first step is to sort out documents and get married. I think then I can ...
@philipperv correct! Read More
13a Permanent visa to citizenship by Greyrock74
I鈥檓 thinking of getting married to a Filipino woman. I work out in the UAE teaching and only spend time in the Philippines three times each year visiting her. I know the first step is to sort out documents and get married. I think then I can ...
@Greyrock74 I am a U.S. citizen married for 18 years to a dual citizen. My wife was born in PI, is a US citizen and now is a dual citizen as is my daughter. We own a home in Argao and property in Dumaguete. She can own unlimited land. I am ... Read More
Cheating In The Philippines[B]OT by FindlayMacD
@FindlayMacD Do people quote the Daily Mail as a source of truth? What next? Believe Trump? -@GezzarLOL
Fred said 鈥�***.鈥滰Fred What聽in Gods name does this have to do with the original story?聽聽The answer is nothing. This blog is about Issues and events in the Philippines not American politics!聽 Read More
Cheating In The Philippines by Cherryann01
I saw a new video by Gio on You Tube yesterday about a British man with a Filipino wife who has been caught and arrested for cheating on his wife. Apparently his wife found out about the guys mistress and reported them to the authorities and they ...
@JustCallMeJoe very true! Read More
NCL cruises coming to the Philippines by mugteck
Just put down a deposit for a cruise on 1/27/25 starting in Taipei and then stopping on 4 consecutive days at Salamague (Ilocos), then Manila, Boracay and Puerto Princesa The cruise also stops in Malaysia, Brunei and two stops in ...
Hopefully the cruise lines will be held accountable for any illegal discharge and will be environmentally conscious. NCL is one of the better cruise lines out there as far as reputation goes Read More
my personal motorcycle shipped from USA, Los Angeles area to Manila by lookingglas2
heard bad stories about trying to ship a bike from USA to Philippines. Who as info for me. just want the most important, how much does it cost, how long does it take, and how long to get here.
@greenetravel what a rude response! Read More
Rejection From Filipina by Cherryann01
Some of you may know that so far I have been unlucky in love but I am just curious to know if anybody on this forum as been rejected by a potential partner. You may have met in person or online and I know some on the forum have met their partners ...
@Moon Dog. Sorry couldn鈥檛 disagree more. Met my wife of 18 years in Cebu and couldn鈥檛 be happier. I live in Argao PI and Anchorage AK. Split my time between the cities I know many successful FilAm marriages from Cebu and Duma. There ... Read More
Rejection From Filipina by Cherryann01
Some of you may know that so far I have been unlucky in love but I am just curious to know if anybody on this forum as been rejected by a potential partner. You may have met in person or online and I know some on the forum have met their partners ...
@Lotus Eater Paul 鈥渙ld dog 鈥渞ecently got married to Baby Mae. I subscribe to they鈥檙e blogs. I believe they will have a lasting relationship! He was very careful. Read More
Dating Filipina's - Wadja 6 March 2017 - comments and thoughts? by Lotus Eater
wadja06 March 2017 16:58:19As per what I ve seen in the Philippines, Filipinas are 5 categories:鈥ㄢ��1- Ugly, chubby, dark skin, that no one would like to date, mainly poor and from far areas. Even in their own countries they are not wanted ...
@Lotus Eater you鈥檙e hopeless! Read More
Dating Filipina's - Wadja 6 March 2017 - comments and thoughts? by Lotus Eater
wadja06 March 2017 16:58:19As per what I ve seen in the Philippines, Filipinas are 5 categories:鈥ㄢ��1- Ugly, chubby, dark skin, that no one would like to date, mainly poor and from far areas. Even in their own countries they are not wanted ...
@Lotus Eater聽doesn鈥檛 matter that it was or wasnt a repost it is still derogatory, disrespectful and misleading.聽Not accurate in the least. I know dozens of successful FilAm marriages and only a few failures.聽 Read More
Starlink in Philippines .. $599 unit & $99 monthly for 200 Mbps by PalawOne
Musk鈥檚 Starlink internet service to be offered in the Philippines in Q1Reuters - February 4, ...
@danfinn there are lots of jealous Musk haters out there. Some people can鈥檛 stand successful entrepreneurs. Read More
Starlink in Philippines .. $599 unit & $99 monthly for 200 Mbps by PalawOne
Musk鈥檚 Starlink internet service to be offered in the Philippines in Q1Reuters - February 4, ...
@clownbob77 exactly and then it is affordable! Read More
Starlink in Philippines .. $599 unit & $99 monthly for 200 Mbps by PalawOne
Musk鈥檚 Starlink internet service to be offered in the Philippines in Q1Reuters - February 4, ...
@Harbred6051 I don鈥檛 see it as a cash grab at all. He is an entrepreneur who has the financial ability to do what he wants. Reliable internet is desperately needed in rural Philippines. Read More
Dating Filipina's - Wadja 6 March 2017 - comments and thoughts? by Lotus Eater
wadja06 March 2017 16:58:19As per what I ve seen in the Philippines, Filipinas are 5 categories:鈥ㄢ��1- Ugly, chubby, dark skin, that no one would like to date, mainly poor and from far areas. Even in their own countries they are not wanted ...
@whackerdog123 Spot on! Read More
Dating Filipina's - Wadja 6 March 2017 - comments and thoughts? by Lotus Eater
wadja06 March 2017 16:58:19As per what I ve seen in the Philippines, Filipinas are 5 categories:鈥ㄢ��1- Ugly, chubby, dark skin, that no one would like to date, mainly poor and from far areas. Even in their own countries they are not wanted ...
@Lotus EaterI am an American man married for almost 18 years to a Filipina lady who came from a poor city family. She doesn鈥檛 even have a college degree. This past year she made 85k USD and got her dual citizenship. She made the same amount I ... Read More
RSSV - Retirement Visa for a 13A visa holder. by alwish1
Hello. This is my very first post. I am an American citizen resident in the Philippines for 8 years and holder of the 13A visa (expires 2027). SRRV seems to have certain advantages and benefits over my 13A visa and wonder if it would be possible for ...
I am a US citizen married to a Filipina for 16 years. I am moving to the Philippines permanently. I will go for the 13 A versus SRRV mainly due to the large cash deposit that SRRV requires for non service personnel.聽We own a home in Southern ... Read More
VP Kamala Harris visits the Philippines by PalawOne
UPDATES: VP Kamala Harris visits the Philippineshttps://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-vp-kamala-harris-visits-philippines-november-2022/DEVELOPING / UPDATED 31 MINS AGOUnited States Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting the Philippines for ...
VP Harris going to the Philippines is really a non event. She is a figurehead only with no power to do anything. Empty suit. Read More
If You Don't Believe Paul. . .Who Can you Believe?
@Enzyte Bob I didn鈥檛 understand a word! Read More
If You Don't Believe Paul. . .Who Can you Believe? by Enzyte Bob
Edited. . .see follow up.
@Enzyte Bob Paul 鈥� Old Dog鈥� is great just as Is Gio in the Philippines and Rico. They are realistic and give good advice. I am married to a wonderful Filipina for 16 years. She does not show much affection in public but different story ... Read More
Flight is today by Tariq1983
I am sitting here right now at JFK. We start boarding in 30 mins. We fly to Germany then Singapore then finally ill touch down in Manila Saturday at 1pm.聽Im wracking my brain trying to figure out how the hell did i get into this lmao
I am flying LAX - MNL via HND JAL F Class. Was lucky to get a 75k OW mileage tic using AS miles. I booked in the late winter. Starting off in ANC prem Econ to LAX as no domestic award availability when I booked Intl portion聽 Read More
The US dollar is strengthening by sekmet
The US dollar is strengthening among all major currencies, and looks to get stronger in the short term. Will this have any affect your cost of living?
@Lotus Eater聽I agree with everything you said except the last statement that it is better to rent. In some cases it is and in some such as mine definitely was better to buy. It depends.聽 Read More
The driving force of your expatriation in the Philippines by Diksha
Hello everybody, Moving abroad, to a destination such as the Philippines, is often the result of careful consideration. It is a major life decision and one that should not be taken lightly as the implications are so diverse. We would like to know ...
I certainly wouldn鈥檛 consider retiring in Alaska. I live in Alaska and was born here. Own a home in Argao PI. The Alaskan winters are brutal esp for older people. Nice place to be in the summer but the rest of the year not so much especially ... Read More
Fully vaccinated foreigners allowed 16 February
Thanks. Good luck in your property search. Avoid Primary Homes. They simply are not building a quality product in they鈥檙e developments. Read More
Here We Go Again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is on a level three alert again. All people who are not vaccinated must remain in their homes except for essential trips. Visitors below 18 and above 65 are not allowed in Ayala Malls except for essentials, also restrictions for ...
I currently have it and it is like a minor cold/flu. I am fully vaccinated. Everyone else I know who got it and are fully vaccinated have the same minor symptoms Read More
Here We Go Again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is on a level three alert again. All people who are not vaccinated must remain in their homes except for essential trips. Visitors below 18 and above 65 are not allowed in Ayala Malls except for essentials, also restrictions for ...
I agree I am fully vaccinated. I don鈥檛 think the Govt should force adults to get it, but at the same time it鈥檚 not my job to protect those who don鈥檛 by wearing a mask, staying indoors, social distancing for ever. If you don鈥檛 ... Read More
Advice to foreigners traveling to the PI right now from the US
Hi going to post some advice here for any foreigners coming to the PI from US. My Filipina wife and my 12yo daughter arrived in Manila on 01/05/22. We are all fully vaccinated and both me and the wife had our boosters. (Pfizer/Moderna). We had a ... Read More
Fully vaccinated foreigners allowed 16 February by Okieboy
It has been Reported that Fully vaccinated foreigners will be allowed starting 16 February to enter the Philippines you can Google the article
Hi going to post some advice here for any foreigners coming to the PI from US. My Filipina wife and my 12yo daughter arrived in Manila on 01/05/22. We are all fully vaccinated and both me and the wife had our boosters. (Pfizer/Moderna). We had a ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
I am married (15 years) to a Cebuana dual citizen. We live in the US purchased a house in Argao (gated community Ocean front ) for 10million pesos a few years ago. Plan on retiring here in a few years PT at first FT later we purchased thru Primary ... Read More
Moving to Cavite in January as a retired 34 year old. by Arcadieus
Hi, I'm planning on moving to Cavite in January with my girlfriend. She is originally from Cavite and we have been living in Romania the last year. I'm just trying to figure out how to keep myself busy there and have my girlfriend*soon to be ...
Remember any land or business needs to be in your gf name. Make sure your relationship is strong and she is trustworthy. You can own a condo but not real estate. You can be a minority partner in a company or partnership. The Philippines has ... Read More
Family secrets : My Father's Young Fiance by GuestPoster170
An interesting documentary of a 73 year old Canadian and his Filipina fiance of 23 year old in Roxas City Capiz province. The daugther of the Canadian, the journalist of the documentary, is twice the age of the Filipina. She came to the Philippines ...
My name is Christopher Morgan. Hope that makes you feel better! I have had the same login since 2004. You are the first person ever to accuse me of using a fake name profile etc. And yes my wife did view your insulting post and no as a Filipina ... Read More
testing & quarantine for arriving passengers by RainTrek
I am traveling from US to MNL in about 10 days with my balikbayan wife and our 12-year-old daughter. Our destination is Cagayan de Oro (CDO). The Philippine Coast Guard announced June 1 that ALL arriving passengers (OFW and non-OFW) will be given a ...
Cathay Pacific cancelled our RT flight in early Aug from Anch to CEB. I knew they probably would. We will now wait until January to come back. Have a house in Argao that we need to check on. Wife is a dual citizen however her Philippine passport ... Read More
Family secrets : My Father's Young Fiance by GuestPoster170
An interesting documentary of a 73 year old Canadian and his Filipina fiance of 23 year old in Roxas City Capiz province. The daugther of the Canadian, the journalist of the documentary, is twice the age of the Filipina. She came to the Philippines ...
Enzyme Bob says 鈥� But surprise surprise, older Filipina's don't age very well compared to other ethnic groups. In the western world a caterpillar turns into beautiful butterfly. In the Philippines a beautiful butterfly turns into a ... Read More
Need advice to live with separated girl by Stemik62
Hi everyone. I have been in a relation for 2 years with a girl who is separated. I was thinking of moving there with her. But I have heard stories warning me of this. Is it true about extortion, being arrested, and maybe death? Her ex has another ...
Why would you want to even consider being with a woman who has constantly lied to you. Who knows they may still be together and are both using you for extortion purposes. I would find another SINGLE woman. There are plenty out there without all ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
LemSaDipolog excellent post "when in Rome...." If you marry a Filipina then you have taken on the potential responsibility of helping out her family. It's that simple. If you don't like it don't marry a Filipina. There are ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
Not sure I understand the comment from "expatsteve48" regarding it being unacceptable for his wife to be working full time. I have been married now almost 13 years to a Filipina and both of us have been working full time ,sometimes more ... Read More
Where is the best part of Visayas to live? by steveinoz
I want to move from Australia to Philippines. I am thinking about the Visayas and I like Cebu. I want a place that is elevated and wont flood and also benefit from nice breezes and at the same time is close to the main stream city. My wife is from ...
I would agree with the poster who said to listen to the locals versus the state department. I live in Anchorage Alaska population 250k + and Cebu City Pop 2 million + last year there were more murders in Anchorage than Cebu despite the latter ... Read More
Best cities to live in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to the Philippines. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost ...
Hello American guy married to a Cebuana for 12 years. Looking to buy a house on Cebu Island possibly Argao. Recently sold our land that we had on Lapu Lapu / Mactan. Anyone familiar with Argao. Had also been recommended to look at Bohol, Davao City ... Read More