David Williams
@DavidWF
Australian expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
65
About me
Australian
Lives in Cebu
Speaks English only
Registration: 20 July 2013
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
I am out of here in six weeks time, never to return. Have been here four years too long, and my advice to anybody wanting to come here to live, think with your head that has the brain in it, and not the other one. Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
What would you know dandunn, you have only been in the country for five minutes, and yes I can speak Cebuano ( whatever that has to do with it ) and I can also speak a little Tagalog. Does that help you out to analyse me? Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
A typical reply from a uneducated person.......... surely you can do better than that drizarra 'Look up ONCOLOGIST and when you understand what it means get back to me, otherwise dont waste my time trying to sound intelligent. Cheers Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Well folks I have decided to pack up and head back to Australia because since I have lived here in the Philippines for the past four years my health has deteriorated, and I am going downhill fast. Four years of continuous noise, screaming neighbors, ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
I live in Dumaguete Detgator having lots of conversations with the locals, and my wife has to translate the slang that I am unaware of using, but it gives everybody a good laugh at my expense. lol. Lucky that I am not thin skinned and can take a ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Dont spit the dummy drizarra because I agree with you. But him being a retired Oncologist finds it hard to make conversation, and he is not into facebook, or texting so that limits his range of topics. Anyway he is only here for two weeks, but I ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Thanks detgator I did not mean any offense it is just that my wife has turned into a practical joker now, ( I have taught her too well lol ) and she does it better than me...... and she loves it when she talks slang to her friends and they dont know ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Well Detgator you did not let me down. In actual fact it was my wife (Filipino) who suggested that I put that message on as a practical joke, to see how many remarks I would get, but so far you are the only one. But in actual fact I agree with ... Read More
Do you speak Filipino? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Filipino is essential for a successful integration in the Philippines. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Filipino? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
My friend decided to learn the Philippines language so as he could listen into the conversations, but now he is sorry that he did because he hasn`t heard anything of interest...... always the same conversation. Cellphone, Load, Singing shows, Food, ... Read More
Studying in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in the Philippines? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in ...
No I am not rude FilAmerican mom. I would expect any educated person would know the capitol city of Australia, and for your benefit I do know the capitol cities of each of the fifty states in America, we were taught them when I was at High ... Read More
Studying in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in the Philippines? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in ...
"The Philippines has one of the best medical schools in Asia" What drugs are you on? Read More
Studying in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in the Philippines? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in ...
I had my two children in a school in Negros Oriental and all they learnt was how to dance, and when I complained to the Principle all he said was that if I did not like the way that my children were being taught that I could always take them out and ... Read More
Information by DavidWF
Can anybody please tell me how I can place a for sale add. Apparently there is a way but I can't work it out. Thank you.
Thanks TeeJay Now I have to work out my add. Have a good one mate. Read More
Information by DavidWF
Can anybody please tell me how I can place a for sale add. Apparently there is a way but I can't work it out. Thank you.
Thanks TeeJay but there are no Hand Tools on top of my page, only the mail envelope, the bell, the flag, and my profile thing, but definitely no tools unless I am in the wrong area. Read More
Information
Can anybody please tell me how I can place a for sale add. Apparently there is a way but I can't work it out. Thank you. Read More
Can a foreigner apply for a loan? by Andreas Greek
Good day, We are moving in Philippines with my wife in a few months. I would like to know if a foreigner can apply for a loan from a bank. I have read that it is can be considered if your spouse is Filipino and an Affidavit of support and weaver ...
Dont buy anything in the Philippines other than necessities, and DONT sign any papers no matter what. Be warned. Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Australia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Australia can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent ...
Just got back from Australia after taking my fiancee there on a Tourist Visa ( I live in the Philippines with her ) and now she wants to go back permanent to live there. We drove just over 3000 ks in five weeks and I only beeped the horn once much ... Read More
Tourist visa so I can go with him to settle some formalities by Pancake342
Good day, I am a Filipina married to an Australian and we have one baby. We have a huge age difference at least 34yrs. I would like to ask how can I have a tourist visa so I can go with him if he need to settle something in Australia (like his ...
That is true Pancake, I am not a rich person but now that I am with my fiancee in Australia I feel like a rich person. When I applied for her visa money was the last thing on my mind, the important thing was to get her Tourist visa and two weeks ... Read More
Tourist visa so I can go with him to settle some formalities by Pancake342
Good day, I am a Filipina married to an Australian and we have one baby. We have a huge age difference at least 34yrs. I would like to ask how can I have a tourist visa so I can go with him if he need to settle something in Australia (like his ...
I know that it was an expensive way to do it but I got her tourist visa within two weeks and that was the aim, so paying the money to get it was not a concern. Read More
Tourist visa so I can go with him to settle some formalities by Pancake342
Good day, I am a Filipina married to an Australian and we have one baby. We have a huge age difference at least 34yrs. I would like to ask how can I have a tourist visa so I can go with him if he need to settle something in Australia (like his ...
Hello Pancake, at the present time I am in Australia with my Filipino fiancee who is on a TOURST VISA. I am 30 years older than her and I live in the Philippines with her, and we traveled together here to Australia together four weeks ago ( we ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in the Philippines can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent ...
I have lived in the Philippines with my fiancee for nearly four years now but am still finding it hard to adapt mainly for the following reasons. Crazy drivers who all think that they are the only ones on the road, and have no regard for others ... Read More
Barking dogs by tonyboost
Does anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced to make owners to control their dogs from barking??
The Alien bit was tongue in cheek. Read More
Barking dogs by tonyboost
Does anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced to make owners to control their dogs from barking??
You are spot on Dirk, a good dog only barks for a reason. My last neighbor (Filipino) had his poor little dog tied to a tree from six weeks old, and when I asked him why did he do this he`s reply was that it is a guard dog and will keep intruders ... Read More
Barking dogs by tonyboost
Does anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced to make owners to control their dogs from barking??
It was a joke, where is your sense of humour Julien? Read More
Barking dogs by tonyboost
Does anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced to make owners to control their dogs from barking??
I just shut up two dogs from barking at the back of me........ I gave them some lead poisoning, and it seemed to work fine. First time that they have not barked continuously for ten months. Read More
International drivers license.
I just looked at my Philippines driving license to discover that it does not expire until the 20th. of this month (my birthday) so now I can get it renewed and then apply for an international license. Thanks Romaniac and sandArmando for your ... Read More
Barking dogs by tonyboost
Does anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced to make owners to control their dogs from barking??
You have to be joking.... NOTHING stops dogs from barking in the Philippines. If you ever find a way PLEASE let me know. Read More
International drivers license.
Can anybody help me with information on obtaining an international drivers license. I live here in the Philippines but both my Philippine license ( which I have never used ) and my Australian driving license have both expired, and now I have a ... Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Thanks but I think that I will be able to work it out myself.... it was a simple question that I asked in the first place but apparently it has become complicated, so I will follow up on the leads that I have been given and put feelers out in other ... Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Thank you Reginagrace, yes I want to build a native house/hut in Negros Oriental or Cebu, but I have to buy some land first unless there is a package with land and native house/hut. Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Thanks Dophened I will look into it. Cheers. Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Am really wanting a NATIVE HOUSE which is fenced so as we can have a couple of dogs. ( I would not tie a dog up unless for a special reason) I am wanting to buy some land/property then build a native house on it if possible. My original question ... Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Thanks for that Dandunn........ will do. Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house? by DavidWF
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ...
Thank you for replying to my question everybody, but I am well aware of the laws regarding buying a property here, but as I explained I have been with my lady friend here in Dumaguete for over three years now and have decided to tie the knot ( as I ... Read More
Am confused - how to go about buying or building a native house?
Can somebody help me out here please, I have $60,000.00 dollars (Aust) and my dream is to build or buy a native house, but am unsure of how to go about it. Have been living in Dumaguete for three years plus with the same lady, and have been renting ... Read More
Your new local habits in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in the Philippines is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in the Philippines? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, ...
Thought that I would add my bit also as I have an hour to spare. First of all when I came to the Philippines I hated it but I could not go back to Australia because I sold everything that I had.....(big mistake at the time) but now after three ... Read More
Married Aussies. by DavidWF
A couple of years ago I asked Centrelink what would happen to my aged pension should I marry, and they told me that if I have a live in partner of any description my Australian pension would drop $100 plus ( not sure if that was per month or per ...
Sorry mates but the fact is that if you have partner living with you married or single, your pension drops up to $200 per month. I know from experience as it happened to me in Australia (I dont want to go into too much detail) a number of years ... Read More
Honey
Could anybody tell me where I can get pure honey in Dumaguete? I bought some Filipino honey last week and had to give it to a local as it tasted horrible. I am after honey that has not been mixed with water, and sugar to make it go further . I have ... Read More
How to deal with a car accident in Cagayan de Oro. by MrNorway
I would like to know how to deal with a car accident in Cagayan de Oro. I have heard that one must not move the vehicle even if it makes traffic congestion and chaos on the road. Which number one should ring to Call the police? Is Police Cooperative ...
No way would I drive in the Philippines with these crazy road warriors. I tried it once and never again, the idiots on motor bikes are absolute moron`s and dont care one iota for anybody on the road, and if you are a foreigner and happen to be ... Read More
Australian Tax Accountant/Financial Advisor in Manila? by nomadic_rambler
Hi All, I'm an Australian Citizen working in Manila. I am employed full-time locally and get paid a monthly salary which includes deductions for Philippines taxation, SSS, Phil Health, PagIbig etc. I've read on the Australian Taxation ...
Sorry what I meant was "Do I have to pay tax to the Australian Tax Office if I am living in the Philippines on an Australian pension ?... my age being 74" Sorry for not explaining myself clearly. Read More
Australian Tax Accountant/Financial Advisor in Manila? by nomadic_rambler
Hi All, I'm an Australian Citizen working in Manila. I am employed full-time locally and get paid a monthly salary which includes deductions for Philippines taxation, SSS, Phil Health, PagIbig etc. I've read on the Australian Taxation ...
I am 74 years of age and living in the Philippines, and am wondering if I have to pay tax on my pension payments? I dont get any other monies. Read More
Australian Pension Card. by DavidWF
I am an Australian and have been living in Sibulan for the past 34 months, and I am going back for a visit and medical checkups before my 36 months expires. I notified Centrelink that I would be coming back for a visit and asked how do I get my ...
But if you give Centrelink an address in Australia for your cards how does that work, because you are not living there? I have already given them my address here in the Philippines when I moved here three years ago, and they told me that once I ... Read More
Married Aussies. by DavidWF
A couple of years ago I asked Centrelink what would happen to my aged pension should I marry, and they told me that if I have a live in partner of any description my Australian pension would drop $100 plus ( not sure if that was per month or per ...
You are so right OzFreddie but it is a fact 100% your pension drops down over a $100 a fortnight if you have a partner, even if you are not married, and even if she is not working, so if that happened and the dollar keeps on dropping the way it is ... Read More
Married Aussies. by DavidWF
A couple of years ago I asked Centrelink what would happen to my aged pension should I marry, and they told me that if I have a live in partner of any description my Australian pension would drop $100 plus ( not sure if that was per month or per ...
I omitted to say that my lady friend does not live with me as she comes from the old school, cant live together until she is married, but visits every weekend, which is actually a good way to go. lol. I am self reliable, can do my own cleaning, have ... Read More
Married Aussies.
A couple of years ago I asked Centrelink what would happen to my aged pension should I marry, and they told me that if I have a live in partner of any description my Australian pension would drop $100 plus ( not sure if that was per month or per ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in the Philippines face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and ...
You are so right Decca..... I had a weak moment the other day as I had a boy/man come to my house to give me a massage to save me from having to go out, and anyway the first time he came I gave him 300 peso`s which was what he quoted, and whilst I ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in the Philippines face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and ...
Been here for three years now and I cant believe the logic of the people, so I came to the conclusion that it is best not to help people (as I used to do) because they will always turn on you if something goes wrong, and then THE FOREIGNER always ... Read More
Australian Pension Card.
I am an Australian and have been living in Sibulan for the past 34 months, and I am going back for a visit and medical checkups before my 36 months expires. I notified Centrelink that I would be coming back for a visit and asked how do I get my ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in the Philippines by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in the Philippines. What recommendations ...
I think that you have your hand on the wrong club lol Read More
Top 5 tips to live in the Philippines by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in the Philippines. What recommendations ...
Spot on............ If you have half a brain you may survive in the Philippines, but if you have no brains you will definitely survive. Everybody is brain dead here. Read More
Rental
I have lived here in Dumaguete for three years and must find another rental in Negros Oriental as my landlord is selling the house that I am in now. I need 2 or three bedrooms, 2 cr`s, and a large outside area if possible. My budget is 15,000 to ... Read More
Married Australian Pension by Geoffb2289
Got married to a Filipina girl in December 2014 and the Australian Government reduced my pension??? This makes no sense to me at all, can someone shed some light on this please Geoff
The same thing happened to me when I married a Chinese bitch in Australia. They are the rules with Centrelink, and that is why I am not going to marry here in the Philippines. I WONT even live with a woman here, because then she classed as my ... Read More
I am not sure how to use this forum by itzdavid
I just joined up and would like information for leaving Australia to live in Cebu? Thank you......David
Hello everyone that is reading this... was wondering if there are any friendly expats out there that I could meet as I have only been here for a few months (Dumaguete) and have a fiancee much younger than myself. Am finding it hard to fill in the ... Read More