Gregorio2020
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
64
Contacts
7
About me
American, In a relationship, 70 years old
Speaks English.....certified English teacher....a little Spanish, a little Tagalog, a little Visayan
Registration: 08 October 2020
Water tank size? by gwaps
I will get water tank and tower installed next year in cebu . Wondered what size to get on home 1200 sqare foot?( We have two bathrooms .)聽 Thanks :)
@Gregorio2020 Forgot to mention that our tank is usually good for 5-6 days before we refill it.....we have 6-8 showers per day, run washing machine 3 times per week. Maybe this could hep the OP what size he needs. Read More
Water tank size? by gwaps
I will get water tank and tower installed next year in cebu . Wondered what size to get on home 1200 sqare foot?( We have two bathrooms .)聽 Thanks :)
Building a cement/hollow block water tank is a really good idea....catching rain water.....for your plants.....if you cover it, it will stay cleaner longer....perhaps for outside washing, like the car. We bought a 2500L stainless steel tank at Citi ... Read More
Backup generator suggestions? by Larry Fisher
Getting too often lately with the brownouts. And there's always the possibility of another Odette in the area knocking power out for a month or more. I am seriously considering a backup generator. But I have no clue what size to get. This is a weak ...
I'm just commenting on my own experiences......there are 2 throw rods....1 of them got a little deformed on the end....a local mechanic determined. I bought 2 more through Lazada...approx P150.....easy to install....generator up and running with no ... Read More
Backup generator suggestions? by Larry Fisher
Getting too often lately with the brownouts. And there's always the possibility of another Odette in the area knocking power out for a month or more. I am seriously considering a backup generator. But I have no clue what size to get. This is a weak ...
I had it with all these brownouts several years ago. I bought a Navigator 5000, rated 4500w....diesel, electric start with 12v battery on wheels. There are no "quiet" generators. Diesel is better, will last longer, more reliable starting. We have ... Read More
Waste Management in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in the Philippines, waste management can often pose challenges and requires an understanding of local standards and regulations. Understanding local practices is essential for environmental compliance and seamless ...
Waste in general is definitely a problem here. Late at night, many big trucks from Cebu City travel to the southern provinces and dump the garbage.........that's 100's of trucks per week. Many of the locals spend their time picking through the ... Read More
Null and void a previous marriage by Gregorio2020
I was married to a Filipina in the Philippines back in 2007. I brought her to the US in 2009, where we stayed for 1 year before deciding to move permanently back to the Philippines in 2010. The relationship starting breaking apart before we moved ...
@Aidan in HCMCThanks.....actually, I heard an attorney claim that after no contact, no confirmed address...that she could be declared dead.....leaving the door open for future marriage. Actually I have gotten on with my life....been together with a ... Read More
Null and void a previous marriage
I was married to a Filipina in the Philippines back in 2007. I brought her to the US in 2009, where we stayed for 1 year before deciding to move permanently back to the Philippines in 2010. The relationship starting breaking apart before we moved ... Read More
Purchasing new Aircon by Enzyte Bob
My five year old Kolin Aircon 1.5 hp is starting to show it's age and has been running 24/7.. I decided to buy a new Kolin but 2.5 hp and found a nice bargain at Anson's online. Some might be interested.. Model kag-250wcinv P35,900 list for P40,998 ...
I just bought a portable 1.5hp aircon.....on wheels, with window adapter for hot air to exit. I hope this works as advertised..but its a chance I'm taking like most products here...hehehehe. My main aircon is a split Daikin, which I'm very satisfied ... Read More
Electric cars (EV) Pros and Cons? by bigpearl
Throwing it out there guys/ladies.Has any one considered going full EV or Hybrid? I have for a long time but find the cost difficult to swallow versus reducing Co2 emissions given we only drive 5 to 6,000 kilometers a year, even if it was 10K is ...
I bought an electric motorcycle 3 years ago from Quezon City...then shipped to my home in Cebu.....it was somewhat customized so that it was powerful enough for all the hills and mountains here in the province. It has a 2000 watt electric motor with ... Read More
Moving to Cebu in 2 years by Gunnymorland
Hello all my name is Eric and my wife and I and our 15 year old son will be moving to Cebu in 2025. I am a retired Marine and my wife is a special education teacher. My wife would like to teach while we live in Cebu. We also will be requiring long ...
@Gunnymorland Hello Eric....welcome to the club. Living in metro Cebu City is probably best, since your son has special needs. It will be difficult, but not impossible, for your wife to get a teaching job here.......online teaching has very little ... Read More
Latest Paul Old Dog New Tricks by Enzyte Bob
A must see for American Expats.The US Embassy Head Honcho chose to visited Paul because of his following. He has been on the job for six months and before he was stationed at many Embassy's before being assigned to the Philippines.He sat down with ...
@Enzyte Bob Where can find this video to watch.....it sounds like good info Read More
PCR test no longer required for entry by pnwcyclist
Effective May 30, the Covid test will no longer be required for fully vaxxed (with booster) passengers to enter.And apparently the Covid medical coverage requirement is also being dropped.聽https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175295
@talamban Good info......what do you know about departing the Philippines.....besides the ECC...exit clearance.... Read More
PCR test no longer required for entry by pnwcyclist
Effective May 30, the Covid test will no longer be required for fully vaxxed (with booster) passengers to enter.And apparently the Covid medical coverage requirement is also being dropped.聽https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175295
@pnwcyclist ..........why not BAN all your goddamn intrusive advertising Read More
Filipina Online Dating - Questions for those experienced by briggss3
Hi, I'm new to the website. I have a question around meeting Filipina girls on Filipino Cupid. I spent about a week on the website, and had many girls connecting many of which I believe were not real. However, one particular girl contacted me ...
Date In Asia is by far the biggest and most popular. I have had many negative experiences, but also some very good experiences. Just need to find out as much info as possible, and be alert to those that just want money. You are asking for trouble if ... Read More
Best dating site to meet a good lady? by bkksaigon
Hi I am planning to move to the PH this summer and I would like to give a try to online dating. I am asking this question because I am not familiar with all the dating sites out there. Can you please share what dating site can be more likely to ...
DateinAsia is by far the best...totally free.....most members and most popular in Asia Read More
Alert Level 1 Now being Considered by Enzyte Bob
Alert Level 1 now being considered starting on March 1, 2022.
yippee.....finally........ i'm tired, like most people, of these unnecessary precautions that were forced on everyone. Read More
Where and Where NOT to rent/live in or around Cebu City by tpiro
Hello again, As I am searching and reading about 2 BR Apt/Condos rentals- I just thought, maybe I better ask about the area in which I would like to reside when I get to the Philippines Cebu. So, may I ask where and where not to reside around ...
Hi Tony. I bet your already preparing for your trip.....very exciting. Renting will give you the chance to start looking around and visit other places. There really are many places that foreigners feel safe and comfortable. Good luck with all your ... Read More
Internet in the Philippines by sirrobcentral
I've noticed in several threads people are inquiring about internet speed and providers. I'm no expert on the matter, but I use the internet daily. I don't have any complaints about it. It seems as though there are experts out there. ...
Wow...i signed up for Skycable internet services at my condo near Ayala..........unreliable......goes on and off several times every day.....not just for moments, but for hours. I have complained many times, had their technicians check the ... Read More
Where and Where NOT to rent/live in or around Cebu City by tpiro
Hello again, As I am searching and reading about 2 BR Apt/Condos rentals- I just thought, maybe I better ask about the area in which I would like to reside when I get to the Philippines Cebu. So, may I ask where and where not to reside around ...
Very good Tony......no maintenance feels good after all the work i did in the province. So, you are coming here on March 1.....wow......that's great. i think you were also asking about the SRRV or the Tourist Visa.....not sure what you decided ... Read More
Where and Where NOT to rent/live in or around Cebu City by tpiro
Hello again, As I am searching and reading about 2 BR Apt/Condos rentals- I just thought, maybe I better ask about the area in which I would like to reside when I get to the Philippines Cebu. So, may I ask where and where not to reside around ...
Just read your message about getting a condo on Mactan Island.....very good. That area does have some good ones. My only reservation about staying on the Mactan Island is the narrow roads, tons of traffic most of time. Mactan got hit really hard ... Read More
Where and Where NOT to rent/live in or around Cebu City by tpiro
Hello again, As I am searching and reading about 2 BR Apt/Condos rentals- I just thought, maybe I better ask about the area in which I would like to reside when I get to the Philippines Cebu. So, may I ask where and where not to reside around ...
Hello Tony............sorry for very late reply. You have many questions ad concerns which I understand too. I had the same when I was researching. I haven't been logging in on this website for a long time...............life has been pulling me ... Read More
Foreigner COVID-19 Vaccinations by onefogarty
Hi everyone, hope you鈥檙e all happy, healthy, and well :) After much procrastination and resistance, I have decided to surrender to the fact that I simply must get the jab/s in order to have any kind of mobility or freedom here or abroad. That ...
My provincial town in southern Cebu announced receiving 100 doses of vaccine...for the 50,000 residents.....hahaha what a joke. They were all gone to a selected group. So now I stayed in a hotel in Cebu City.....went to SM Seaside, which allowed ... Read More
Buying a condo from the US by mrboffa
I have been chatting with a realtor for the past week about buying a pre-construction condo unit. I ask about payments. He tells me the developer has a dollar account here at a bank of America and that's how he works with US clients. I ...
Wow...I remember that earthquake....I was on 7th floor hotel downtown Davao....when everything started shaking.....I can't imagine how bad it was on the top floor...14. I'm in Cebu now....and starting to think about condos here...but not ... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
Ooops...sorry about that mistake....In the Philippines is the only place to process SRRV... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
I just read this in a Cebu paper......3 foreigners were NOT allowed entry in the Philippines because they did not secure a visa BEFORE arriving. Maybe you guys already knew this, but now i know for sure that if you leave for any reason...you will ... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
Hi Steve, In my 10+ years, things have been pretty stable, but I certainly understand that this country changes laws and policies all the time. My Visa is good until August 2022....and certainly hope the travel restrictions will be over..........BUT ... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
You can stay on a Tourist Visa for 36 months, just continue getting extensions. I've been here 10+ years on a Tourist Visa. Being in this part of the world, it gives me a chance to visit other SE Asian countries. I spent 3 days in Hong Kong 1 ... Read More
SRRV online orientation (17th Jun) by manwonder
To know more about retiring in the Philippines why not join the SRRV Online Orientation (Limited Slots are available) (Presume its FREE) When : 17th June @ 1300hrs (LT) via ZOOM MEETING **pre register now : bit.ly/SRRV ...
Don't forget about the All Powerful IRS.............the total of all investments and accounts cannot exceed $10,000, unless you are prepared to file numerous and tedious other forms. If an American, anywhere in the world, fails to file ... Read More
Dual Citizenship for a Baby by telmano2003
Hello, I am a US citizen and I am married to a woman who is a Filipino citizen. We are expecting our child soon. We are currently in the US but I'm considering retiring in the Philippines soon. If the baby is born in the Philippines , can ...
I'm an American living in the Philippines. I've been here 10 years, have a 6 year old daughter, born here. She is automatically a Philippine citizen.....make sure you get 5 certified copies of birth certificate. Maintain ALL prenatal, ... Read More
SRRV online orientation (17th Jun) by manwonder
To know more about retiring in the Philippines why not join the SRRV Online Orientation (Limited Slots are available) (Presume its FREE) When : 17th June @ 1300hrs (LT) via ZOOM MEETING **pre register now : bit.ly/SRRV ...
Absolutely agree with you 100%. I've been here 10 years on a Tourist Visa.....yes, sometimes it takes a while getting extensions at the Bi...but most of the time, its about 1 hour total.....then free to do shopping, and anything else before ... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
Oh yes, I completely understand............when I lived in Cebu City, it was pretty easy, but still time consuming, to process visa extensions, ecc and acr at local BI....but here in the province its quite a long trip there. If i didn't have a ... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
I' ve been safely quietly tucked away in the province for quite a while.....doubt any authorities would find me either if I decided to overstay my visa............BUT, I prefer following the rules, policies and laws of the ... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
Sorry for the late reply...I don't come here too much. Also, sorry I didn't mention that my travel was just before this covid mess.....................I'm not sure about the travel restrictions now.....BUT, if anyone knows whats going on ... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
Air Asia had the cheapest......Cebu Pacific is ok too.... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
About the "Onward" ticket..................authorities never asked me if I had an "Onward" ticket, but I did have one in my bag......a cheap flight out of the Philippines approx 12 months from now.......it can be used more than ... Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
Currently, its 36 months or 3 years, for maximum stay in the Philippines with a Tourist Visa. I departed to Singapore at 9pm on a Tuesday......walked around the Singapore airport buying souvenirs, had a couple snacks..............then I had a ... Read More
How to get a credit card for a foreignor in the Philippines by onefogarty
Hello there! I have an excellent credit score in my own country, Canada. However, here in the Philippines, I have yet to establish some kind of credit history as it were with my bank (BDO). That said, I would assume that having some kind of ...
Philippine banks don't care about your excellent credit from another country.....you must PROVE to THEM that you are credit worthy......start with a secured credit card....over tie, they will learn to trust you in paying your debt......then ... Read More
How to get a credit card for a foreignor in the Philippines by onefogarty
Hello there! I have an excellent credit score in my own country, Canada. However, here in the Philippines, I have yet to establish some kind of credit history as it were with my bank (BDO). That said, I would assume that having some kind of ...
You need to start out with a "secured" credit card......its up to you how much you want to secure....I deposited 250,000 in BPI.....50,000 was secured for my 1st credit card. you will be able to use your credit card up to 50,000.......ever ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
No need to worry...you are working on, repairing, upgrading your own stuff......and possibly helping neighbors and others fix theirs........helping others is NOT a crime......if they want to give you a little food or money.....its ok......we are ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
Anybody, even foreigners are allowed to do the work on their own property.....unfortunately there are a small percentage of really jealous and hateful filipinos who hate seeing others succeeding....and might try to cause problems......we have a few ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
All our small businesses are under my wife's name.....I just claim to be a caretaker and silent partner...hehehhe...but we know who does most of the design, building, maintaining around here......sorry, just patting myself on back a ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
A good mechanic with your experience is hard to find here.....the guys here that call themselves mechanics usually have 1 or 2 tools....and want to borrow mine.....I bet you have a few more tools in your toolbox. Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
Wow...sounds like fun. Things are so cheap here, its easy and really helpful to learn and pickup new skills....try new things. I've heard some try home beer or wine brewing, auto repairs, wood working, painting.... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
Small coffee shops seem like a good idea anywhere you put them.....then you can add other products too...like breads, milk and soft drinks, and whatever you grow in your garden. Depending on who you want to attract.....tables could be set up for ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
Hobbies are a lot more fun and interesting to me...than trying to find a business to stay busy. Thats what mine are.....small farming, water filtering, soaps, candles, bakeshop.......all learning experiences...and kinda fun to see the ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
We have 11 egg-laying chickens, 4 pigs......located FAR, FAR from the house because of the smell. chickens give us eggs for us and for our store.....2-3 months of stinky pigs before they get butchered.......for our freezer and for our store. We have ... Read More
What's a viable small business for expats to stay busy? by Jackson4
For a near future retiree, it might be good to have something to stay busy with and to have some purpose. I plan to be in the country side. Raising chickens or pigs? Vegetable farming? Mom & Pop Restaurant? What the current expats do and how do ...
Hello....been here 10+ years.......lived in city and province.....province definitely preferred. Small farming, learning about plants, trees...what new thigs grow here...........also started making soap, detergent, candles...........so many simple ... Read More
Living away from Cebu City but close enough to visit by Freddy2000
Hi, I would like to move to Cebu but not within Cebu City. However, I would like to live about an hour or so away so I can get there easily by bus. I have researched Naga City and CarCar but cannot find ANY rentals in those places. Any ideas ...
I'm in Aloguinsan, but do all my shopping and business in Carcar.....south of Carcar is a nice town called Argao.....never been there, but heard it has numerous subdivisions, and growing....about 3 hours from Cebu City. I'm surprised you ... Read More
Expat interest in politics in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As an expat, your day-to-day life in the Philippines is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in ...
Agreed.......they got corruption from top to bottom....I've never heard or seen of so much buying of votes, threatening, killing.....unbelievable. I have been posting some comments on FB supporting and criticizing............but I better tone it ... Read More
Cryptocurrency - any of you guys into it? by Kiwiprofesor
I'm interested and active in the world of crypto, DEFI, NFT's.... A huge trap for young PLAYERS, no DOUBT, but the future nevertheless. Anyone feel the same?
There are no trustworthy organization on this earth to manage monetary systems. Read More
marriage and permanence by mauovernet
If I marry my Filipino girlfriend in April 2021, I can stay unlimited for life living there. MAKE A FAMILY ..... in the Philippines,? Or would I have to be leaving from time to time, outside the Philippines, and enter again? thansk !!!!
The BI, Bureau of immigration allows US citizens 2....6-month tourist visa extensions, followed by 2-month extensions after that...........for 36 months. THEN, you must leave the country for at least 1 day before returning and getting your visa ... Read More
Acceptance of new SRRV visa applications suspended. by TeeJay4103
...
I have researched the SRRV options, but I'm just not seeing any savings in processing it. The initial processing fee, plus a frozen deposit in a Philippine bank, then the annual fees.........for me, the annual fee is the same as me getting ... Read More
Retire to the Philippines?????????? by Nobalut4me
We are a white male and Filipina that have been married for 30 years and have lived in the US nearly all of that time. We are nearing retirement and are SERIOUSLY considering retiring to the Philippines. Iloilo City (her home town), General Luna and ...
Hello, I've been here for over 10 years.....Manila, Davao, and Cebu.....mostly Cebu southern province. There are many laws on the books, but this is NOT a lawful country......shortcuts, bribes are every day living here. Criminals and others ... Read More
Retire to the Philippines?????????? by Nobalut4me
We are a white male and Filipina that have been married for 30 years and have lived in the US nearly all of that time. We are nearing retirement and are SERIOUSLY considering retiring to the Philippines. Iloilo City (her home town), General Luna and ...
My experiences here are.....things are only FREE in 1 direction......from foreigner to pinoy. Yes, they will smile and say thank you, most of the time. But in all my years here, these happy and friendly pinoy take only......but never give or return ... Read More
What's changing in the Philippines after the COVID-19 crisis by Veedushi
Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well. As the Editorial Team of 大咖福利影院, our aim is to provide you with fresh and up-to-date information about the COVID-19 crisis in your host country. You might be expecting a lot of changes following the ...
I'm from Aloguinsan, but do all my shopping in Carcar. I appreciate their local LGU posting Covid info almost daily on Facebook. The latest was yesterday with 22 active cases. Carcar also posts on FB the many arrests and violations and check ... Read More