martyn27
English expat in the Philippines
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34
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About me
English
Registration: 08 March 2022
Meat pies and sausage rolls. by bigpearl
Been a little thin on the ground here for 5/6 days with postings/replies.I'll try this. What I desperately miss here is a decent meat pie let alone a sausage roll here in my province of over 800K people, nada. For me I can't even find sausage mince ...
@bigpearl Hi Steve,There is one solution that I am aware of to sate your lust for pies and sausage rolls. Somerset Home-baked Goodies works for me and many of my friends and may work for you (check their website). Their main production is in Davao ... Read More
SRRV deposit by teesquared
First posting here.I am hoping to land sometime within the next 15 months or so.If I apply successfully for the SRRV and pay my $20,000 how difficult is it to get that back when purchasing a property or a land lease?Does anyone have any experiences ...
@bigpearlagreed funds are tied up unless used for lease or purchase. I had 20K SRRV before Covid but needed to withdraw the funds to finance new business during the pandemic. It took one visit to PRA Head Office to sign termination of visa papers ... Read More
SRRV deposit by teesquared
First posting here.I am hoping to land sometime within the next 15 months or so.If I apply successfully for the SRRV and pay my $20,000 how difficult is it to get that back when purchasing a property or a land lease?Does anyone have any experiences ...
Hi Tee!Two weeks ago (16 January) I was in Kalibo, Aklan, with a recruitment delegation from PRA Head Office, Makati City. A question came up from an Italian retiree as to: whether it was possible for the 20K Deposit to also fund utilities ... Read More
SRRV agent: cost and recommendation? by Willis100
Hi, all: I'm certain that retaining an agent is the right thing to do when applying for an SRRV. Couple of questions:1) They used to be free. The couple of agents I've inquired with want to charge 500USD on top of government fees. Is this the new ...
@Willis100DO NOT pay SRRV agents directly for the Commission USD500 as they receive this from PSA when you sign up.If you want to obtain an SRRV then contact Philippine Retirement Authority directly and also report the "agent" who is asking for ... Read More
Our new Philippines Guide is up! by Veedushi
Hello everyone!I hope you are all doing well and are either settled in your new home in the Philippines comfortably or finding all the help you need in order to get your expatriation project rolling smoothly.Here at 大咖福利影院, we are always trying ...
what about the sport of sailing?? Read More
Typhoon frequency. by bigpearl
Well I've been counting/watching. The third one is now out in the China sea,,,,,, 3 in 3 or 4 weeks and tracking windy we have another going to hit the north east coast of Luzon on Monday followed by another probably on Friday/Saturday morning,,,,, ...
The point was made earlier that animals, plants etc. and humans used to have the luxury of migrating North South East West when the climate changed, making it appropriate to do so. Animals and plants can still migrate to an extent but where they ... Read More
best places to visit in the philippines by jnd1030
I want to visit the Philippines but would like to know the best to visit ?
@jnd1030what do you want to do/see/experience?Bats 鈥� Samal Island or Puerto GaleraBoat trips 鈥� El NidoCaving / Spelunking - KapalongForest birds 鈥� Subic Bay or Negros OrientalFresh fish (ocean fish) 鈥� Davao or SiargaoFresh ... Read More
SRRV QUESTIONS?? ANSWERS SUNDAY, DAVAO !!
FYI Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) will be holding "open house" on Sunday (August 20) from 9am to 11am at Jal Tan Food Centrum, C.M. Recto cnr. Bonifacio, and can answer all SRRV questions and inquiries . . . I met one of their staff on the ... Read More
Looking for Indian grocery in Manila by Partha P
Iam looking for Indian grocery in Manila near discovery suites which is the best place to buy.
I do not know what you mean by "near" but there is an Indian grocery store along Osmena Highway in Bangkal, Makati, at (what was until very recently) the PTT gas station - the gas station has reportedly been taken over by Shell but not moved in yet. ... Read More
SRRV Deposit Return by LW23
I am looking for info on SRRV deposit. I have had the SRRV since 2007. I have deposited $20,000. I was told at the time that when I have a verifiable pension, I can get $10,000 of that deposit returned. Over the years, I've renewed many times and ...
It depends where you live but for sure senior PRA management will attend the Anniversay Celebrations in Metro Manila July 6 at PICC and in Davao City on July 14 . . . maybe drop by with a copy of your correspondence and ask the Chairman if he can ... Read More
TAXE IDENTIFICATION NOMBER by saunalotus
HI I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A NOMBER T I N I M RETIREMENT NOW WHISH IS A PROCESS THANK
anyone can obtain a Tax Identification Number ("TIN") if you are either, living in the Philippines or, doing business here . . . I am an Englishman, a Philippine resident and when I became a volunteer director of the non-stock, non-profit, Puerto ... Read More
The importance of local language in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hey everyone, As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We鈥檙e curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in the Philippines. Here are some ...
When I first visited the Philippines in the early 80s there was little need to learn Filipino or Tagalog because the school curriculum was mostly in English, in fact kids as young as 5yo would come up to me and ask questions in broken English ... Read More
SURIGAO DEL SUR by arablacq3
Hello everyone and good day/evening/night.I'm spreading my wings to explore Surigao Del Sur. I want to ask is this location safe for foreigners to live or visit? I have never visited any part of Davao while living in the Philippines.
@arablacq3 is Surigao del Sur safe? I am a Brit with a Filipina wife, In my limited experience, yes, it is safe. We visited Bislig in the Southern portion and enjoyed excellent and inexpensive seafood while visiting some spectacular waterfalls - we ... Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers.聽https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
Thanks martyn, interesting, what I didn't see was trailers, great site though and TY,Cheers, Steve. -@bigpearlto my knowledge, most of the tinny type boats are sold with trailer . . . if you see something you like just give them a call or send an ... Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers.聽https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
@bigpearl thinking of a tinny or something similar? check our RDH Marine Subic . . . they import these and similar from Australia Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers.聽https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
@pnwcyclist Regarding Local Government issues. Some few years ago I plotted a cruising route from Puerto Princesa to El Nido that allowed for around 20NM day-hops between anchorages with mini-marinas at each location. I had a funder for this and ... Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers.聽https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
There are numerous places where, for a couple of thousand Php or less, 2-4 people can enjoy sailing at low cost beyond Subic Bay and Manila (BTW Subic Bay & Manila yacht clubs do not rent yachts and do not easily tolerate tourists unless you ... Read More
Fishing by fredipuppy
I was talking with a local Asian food mart owner here in Texas, he said he admired the expat lifestyle in his home of Icolos Norte. Expats waking in the morning to walk meters to the beach and surf fish, break for lunch and a nap, fish again in the ...
Fishing in rivers, forget it here. For sea fishing I have acquaintances who seasonally fish for the sailfish and dorado off Santa Ana (Cagayan), similar plus marlin off Siargao (Surigao del Norte) and Mati (Davao Oriental), yellowfin tuna of ... Read More
Air Filtration by Filamretire
Smog, pollution and dust. How to combat it without central air. Anyone set up any kind of air filtration system? Perhaps a large floor unit that can cycle the house air? I'm getting ready to build but I'm sure not going to install a central air ...
@Filamretire you could try contacting https://smartairfilters.com/ph/en/ they have a solid reputation for air filtration units in schools, commercial and residential Read More
How do you spend your free time? by sekmet
I know many of you are married and busy raising children. Or you are out in the provinces farming or building a house. I recently retired and sometimes just get bored.Do any of you belong to clubs or social organizations in which you might spend ...
I have found engagement (since 2003) at the yacht club in Puerto Galera. It has a small employed staff only, so there are many tasks and projects that need additional guidance, management and physical help to promote & organise events, and to ... Read More
Best type of fish to make UK style fish- n-chips. by FindlayMacD
I know how to make the beer batter etc but can anyone suggest the best fillet fish available here in the Philippines to make UK style fish -n- chips. I know you can buy Atlantic cod fillets here in S&R but聽 besides being very expensive, ...
@Filamretire malt vinegar of course, available, but expensive in small bottles, trying to find a source for a gallon or two . . . Read More
Best type of fish to make UK style fish- n-chips. by FindlayMacD
I know how to make the beer batter etc but can anyone suggest the best fillet fish available here in the Philippines to make UK style fish -n- chips. I know you can buy Atlantic cod fillets here in S&R but聽 besides being very expensive, ...
@FindlayMacD we are experimenting with a number of fish for our soon to be opened Fish'N Chip Shop in Makati City, along Osmena Highway - great for people going home evenings and stuck in traffic.聽 We found a few frozen varieties but nothing ... Read More
Call centers in Philipines by Parvaze
Hi all -聽 We're a physician practice management company. We have an offshore office in India and looking into potentially setting up a call center in the Philippines. Anyone here have any experience in this area?聽
@Parvaze聽 no direct experience but I have acquaintances in the BPO business who are very happy with the facilities and conditions. Popular areas for BPO are: Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark. Read More
I want to move to the philippines by zilehjnecake05
Good morning everyone,My name is Zile and i am a new member in the last 30 seconds, i am from Canada and my dream destination is to live in the Philippines. i wish to be friends with all and hopefully get some insights on my plan to shift to the ...
@eptowing maybe take a side trip from Cagayan do Oro and visit Camiguin Island - more volcanoes per square kilometer of any island on the planet, superb snorkeling, trekking and, if the forest Gods smile on you, you will witness the famed rainbow ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2022 by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in the Philippines or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their ...
Martyn, if I'm ever in Davao I'll check out your pie shop. i like a good pie.You do not have to get all the way to Davao, we have the same products available in Makati City, just Google search for 'English Pork Pie Philippines' and ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2022 by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in the Philippines or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their ...
I object to your statement that my reply to the question posed was 鈥渂anal鈥� and that I should perhaps reconsider my domicile. My reply was specific, detailed and authoritative in response to the solicitation for information as outlined. ... Read More
Trying to find a cheaper pharmacy here than Mercury by Arcadieus
Hi, I was prescribed oxynorm 5mg from a pain specialist here. Mercury is charging 160 pesos per tablet. Is there any other pharmacy that would carry this medicine and be cheaper? Or is there some type of discount prescription program I can sign up ...
I go to TGP (The Generics Pharmacy) first, Watsons second and only Mercury if nothing else available. Some 20 years ago I had the occasion to present an anti-microbial wall coating to Mercury Drug to make their Pharmacy areas clinically clean. We ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2022 by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in the Philippines or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their ...
We have rented space in Makati and own home in Davao City. Monthly rent has not increased for our condo, but we have a good relationship with our landlord these 13 years. Utilities, building administration charges have not (yet) increased but ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
not sure if you access the website link directly, try a search for English Pork Pie Philippines and you will usually find us at the top of the page :) Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
during the pandemic we have had good sales to mixed-nationality families, foreigners and Filipinos who have worked overseas, but since Level 1 came into effect we have notices a marker drop in online sales . . . maybe we need more sweet pies and ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
Hi! I have been living in the Philippines since 1997; ex-Hong Kong for 16 years prior. I have experienced all the islands except the West half of Mindanao. I love the remote islands for their unique flora, fauna and indigenous cultures. I enjoy to ... Read More