Ponani
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
49
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Honolulu
Registration: 09 August 2013
Volunteering in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in the Philippines? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which ...
Following such a course of isolationalism can only lead to sad, lonely life. Whether in Europe, the US, Japan or the Zphilippines we can all lend each other a helping hand. Read More
Driving in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in the Philippines? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the ...
It is sad to see so many of the comments here reflective of being part of the problem rather then of the solution. Don't get me wrong, I am very much a realist. But, paying bribes as a matter of course, just accepting corruption as the norm - ... Read More
Social Security benifits by ron2
Has any American expats had any difficulty getting their monthly checks deposited in a U S bank, and any creditors garnishing their Social Security?
Only a thought, why ask the question about garnishment unless you think someone is going to come after your money? Best advice I can offer is pay your bills and clean up your accounts BEFORE you come to he Philippines. Never know when you will need ... Read More
Driving in the Philippines by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in the Philippines? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the ...
"Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess鈥� what are the characteristics of the driving style in the Philippines? " Excuse my dismay, but have you ever even drove in the Philippines ... Read More
Information regarding a trike franshise. by Aussie Dave
Could somebody please help me with this question please? I just bought a new motorbike, and had a side car built to attach it to it, so as I can have it for private use, but the problem is to get somebody to drive it for me when required, ( I cant ...
If it is for private use, not for hire, why are you going for a commercial license? Read More
Helper/maid/kasambahay in a condo by chris_balikbayan
Hi guys, I relocated to my birth country last november and its been 9 months here in Metro Manila. I live in a small condo I was wondering if anyone else here has a helper that lives with them in a condo? I know a house is better for livein ...
Given your living situation, why are you even looking at a live-in? I would think a daily person would be much more beneficial and more in your offered price range, plus give you a larger applicant pool. Read More
Filipino cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in the Philippines? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of the Philippines and why not your best ...
Sam40: Cannot imagine living in a place you seem to dislike so much. Read More
buy land after marry a filippina by giovannigio
i would like to ask. Can i buy land after marry with a filippina? someone know how it work? thanks
I'm sorry but these are three TERRIBLE ideas all in a row. Each has definite downsides for the expat Kano. I assume the questioner is a newbie to the PI. Thus a revert back to rule #1: do Nothing in the way of any commitment to anything for the ... Read More
roller coaster of emotions on leaving USA and heading to philippines by Wayne 07
Let me first say I have spend much time in the philippines live there from 1987-1989. I am retired from the Marine Corps. Also retiring from civil service. I am 61. I will be 62 in 2015. moving in May 2015 to philippines. My wife is filipina. ...
I was going to comment, but this post pretty much says it all. I would only add "make no big decisions for a year." Rent, don't buy. Don't "invest" in anything. Do not lock into anything you can't easily alter. After ... Read More
Considering leaving the USA to move to Philippines by zinsavage123
Hello everyone :D I am new here by the way. Now I have quite a bit of questions and everyone here seems awesome so here goes. After doing my research it seems moving to the Philippines is what many like to do. The cost of living I hear their vs the ...
Highly unlikely the China and Philippines would ever get into any kind of major military action over the islands in question. It would be a local "shoot 'em up" in the neighborhood. It might spill over to neighbor islands like Palawan, ... Read More
Considering leaving the USA to move to Philippines by zinsavage123
Hello everyone :D I am new here by the way. Now I have quite a bit of questions and everyone here seems awesome so here goes. After doing my research it seems moving to the Philippines is what many like to do. The cost of living I hear their vs the ...
As usual, there are some great thoughts in this thread, so no need repeat them. But, from your posting - have you been to the Philippines before? If so, did you stay awhile (like more then a month)? I strongly advise you do so before you make any ... Read More
2 weeks in Manila by Reid
[color=#223780]I'm going to visit Manila for 2 weeks this month to do some work and there will be some free time to view the city and maybe to move to fantasy beach at the weekend ( thinking about Boracay ). I already see the Manila events ...
I have to agree with the excellent note, quoted below, by Jien. Dude, if you can't find anything exciting to do in Manila for two weeks then you need to expand your interests! San Augustine is one of my favorite, I met my wife there. Get a ... Read More
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS by professor cebu
[color=#1703FB]Reading Philippine Laws is not enough. :cheers: You need to know your civil rights, your proprietary/business rights, and your obligations (ie. tax, duties, etc) in order to avoid any problems in staying here in the Philippines. ...
As an university faculty, and one who has taught in the Philippines, I thought I would wade in here. First, as noted, we are rather unclear what "was sh** to me" exactly means. It ranges from inappropriate sexual to harsh comments on my ... Read More
Is Manila dangerous? by impossibletofindaname
Hi everyone, I've accepted an internship in Manila in 2012. Now I'm panicking because I hear so many scary stories about how dangerous it is, especially for a girl traveling alone. I know it's not wise to travel around the country alone, but it's ...
Why is this thread even still active? Her question was posted in 2011, THREE YEARS AGO! She went to Manila and left long ago. I enjoy the commentary of these blogs but this is one reason I am considering dropping. It is just full of dribble of ... Read More
New Visa Law by Panth
Foreign Tourists will be able to stay 6 months per vist to the Immigration offices instead of the 2 months,It will cost 13,000 pesos,I just read.
Vet retreat, Reread: 6. Annual reporting: All foreign national ACRI card holders that required annual reporting (historically work or dependent visa status types) must submit an annual report during the first 60 days of each calendar year. No more ... Read More
Healthcare in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in the Philippines ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in the Philippines? Thanks in advance ...
One of my nieces was in the hospital well over a year after she was born. Why? You don't get to bring the baby home until you pay the bill. A slightly different concept then at my facility where I practice. Read More
Northern Luzon? by Duder
Howdy, This is my first post here, I never thought I would ever look into retiring in the PI! I was stationed at Clark for 8 years total in the 80's. My wife is from Pangasanan so I am looking at northern Luzon. Actually way far up north. I found ...
My advice to anyone coming to the Philippines has always been rent first and for quite awhile before you think of buying anywhere. What seems good for a week or two gets real difficult after 6 months. My wife's family is Ilocano (Badoc, to be ... Read More
Healthcare in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in the Philippines ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in the Philippines? Thanks in advance ...
My wife and I are both healthcare providers in the US and we have used healthcare in the Philippines on a couple of occasions. There are hospitals (generally in Manila or Cebu) equally on a par with most facilities in the US. Right next door will be ... Read More
New Visa Law by Panth
Foreign Tourists will be able to stay 6 months per vist to the Immigration offices instead of the 2 months,It will cost 13,000 pesos,I just read.
You could try working on your tourist visa. Someone possibly would even hire you. But, I suspect you will not like Philippine jails even though you are likely to be very popular there. It says tourist for a reason. Read More
How much should I pay to these traffic wardens in case? by Hassanalishah
As I just start driving in Manila since two weeks and had laid over a thousand twice. On my second day while driving here, I was bringing my wife to hospital and following bloody Google map shiv told me to take u turn, the moment I turned...wow ...
I am going to assume that you are not Pinoy, or look it from a distance. In that case, based on my experience, give it up! You are going to get hit no matter what you do. Every cop, meterman, etc. looking for a score will see and stop you if they ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
Wonderingsalsero, I just have to respond to this. It is probably good you have chosen to leave the Philippines because I feel comfortable in speculating that many of your negative experiences are a direct result of your coming to the PI with an ... Read More
The other side of the Filipino postcard
Funny you ask this as it was the topic of a recent discussion between my Filipina wife and I. I really would like to spent 50% of our retirement years in the Philippines. I am a Kano born in Minnesota. She wants to just stay in the US, she is ... Read More
Please help, I am trying to locate my father's bank in Philippines. by lr4492
My father was visiting the Philippines. He suffered a major stroke. I went to go bring him back home to the USA. I medically transported him. I went to his apartment, and it was emptied out. His wallet missing. He is paralyzed and speech ...
Take this in the spirit it is intended. Absolutely stupid advice! First, you will pay and most likely get told "no account here." Second, if you get in caught they get fired, you get into legal troubleshot will cost you plenty. Not worth it. Read More
Please help, I am trying to locate my father's bank in Philippines. by lr4492
My father was visiting the Philippines. He suffered a major stroke. I went to go bring him back home to the USA. I medically transported him. I went to his apartment, and it was emptied out. His wallet missing. He is paralyzed and speech ...
I would agree that your remedies are purely legal at this point. I assume you have gone through any letters, emails, anything where he might have mentioned what bank. A neighbor who have given directions, etc? A knowledgable attorney can draft court ... Read More
A Girl I adore by 514sunny
I live in Toronto Canada, I am of indian descent born in Montreal, Canada. I admire a filipino girl the same age as me at my work offioce who I've worked now with on the side for 9 months now. I beleive she is so beautiful and love her cute way ...
One additional vote for "drop it and move on." You said your piece, she said no. You could hang around for some undetermined time, hoping the other guy drops her and your in for the rebound. However, no matter how this plays out you look like a ... Read More
Nurse in the Philippines by kazcraze
I am a newly registered nurse here in the philippines. Ive done all of my basic trainings. Ive been looking for hospitals that are looking for nurses to train or to hire for several months now. And i mist it is really hard to get a job in hospitals ...
NCLEX can be difficult, particularly if English is a second language. Take your first attempt as a learning experience. What will you need to do to ensure success on your retry? Almost all US students take a NCLEX prep course before taking. Forces ... Read More
Maids by morefuninthephilippines
One thing, I must admit, is I got a little excited when my husband and I decided to look at the option of having a maid. People here don't understand that as it is the norm, but coming from Australia it was quite the novelty! I no longer have a ...
So, in summary. It works for some, not for others. Having a maid has benefits and costs. Because your dealing with people, you will experience people problems and people benefits. Welcome to life! I am a people person, I like having someone around. ... Read More
Reality in the Philippines. by boredomsucks
Reality in the Philippines. 1. Expats in the Pilippines are richer and having a good life than locals. 2. Locals travel to other country to have a good life, expats travel to Philippines to enjoy life. Agree or Disagree?
In general, the consensus seems to be " it depends." Maybe that's the way it is all over the world? I agree, the PI ain't the same place as when I first went in 1974. Well, I think that is a GOOD thing! It does cost more, so does my living in ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
Some really excellent advice here. One thought, however. You need to take a really hard, long look at what you are bringing and WHY! For most, arriving to the PI is only the first move, you will move one or more times again as you settle in, find ... Read More
Nurse in the Philippines by kazcraze
I am a newly registered nurse here in the philippines. Ive done all of my basic trainings. Ive been looking for hospitals that are looking for nurses to train or to hire for several months now. And i mist it is really hard to get a job in hospitals ...
Congratulations! Look how far you have come in your journey to becoming a professional nurse. Hang in there and keep trying. Use all your contacts from school and family. Getting that first job is the hardest. In Hawai'i, between 1/3 and 1/2 of my ... Read More
Philippines Stopping Filipinas from Leaving As A Tourist? by thailen
I have a filipina girlfriend who I invited to live with me in Thailand. She is hearing that Thailand immigration is stopping filipinos at the Bangkok airport for not having enugh thai money, for not having a valid reason to come in, etc., even ...
If I understand, your goal is to show you are a tourist - visiting a friend for an extended vacation, are not seeking residency nor work, have the ability to support yourself and will return to the Philippines at visits end. If that is the case, "WU ... Read More
Filipino for foreigners by Nat187
Hi guys! does anyone know - or can recommend a langusga school or a private teacher to learn how to speak Tagalog. thanks!!
I agree. If you have the power to stay with it Rosetta is the easiest to give you a great start. Read More
Medicine and other rubbish blown-out costs by morefuninthephilippines
Coming to the Philippines Im sure most ( as I did) look forward to a cheap and fruitful living compared to the western worlds. I was rudely,rudely shocked when it came to the costs of medicine and healthcare. Firstly, I gave birth to my child ...
For your medicine, it would seem to make sense to have it purchased in Australia and then sent to you in the PI. Read More
Maids by morefuninthephilippines
One thing, I must admit, is I got a little excited when my husband and I decided to look at the option of having a maid. People here don't understand that as it is the norm, but coming from Australia it was quite the novelty! I no longer have a ...
That you may have "issues" with your help be it in the Philippines, England, or the US. At the moment, I am living Hawai'i and I would fire half my staff if I thought I could. Read More
Maids by morefuninthephilippines
One thing, I must admit, is I got a little excited when my husband and I decided to look at the option of having a maid. People here don't understand that as it is the norm, but coming from Australia it was quite the novelty! I no longer have a ...
Sounds like some negative experiences, but you know, I know people here in Hawai'i and on the Mainland, who have had the same problems. Saints and sinners exist in every culture. Reply to Yes, some good points. Many Filipinos here do have family as ... Read More
How to shop in the Philippines by morefuninthephilippines
I love, love, love getting great deals and sharing them! I drive my facebook friends mad with links and updates lol. In my years here over time I have learnt a thing or two about the places to shop. Firstly, forget the malls! Most of the time it ...
I hate to point out the obvious, but yes if you are in the Philippines >Manila>Shopping blog then, yes, the blog SHOULD be about shopping in Manila, Philippines. Other islands have there own section. Read More
College for myself and school for my kids
Scott, Have you thought this through? Have you been to the Philippines before? Are you married to Filipina and have family here? There are a number of good schools about computers in the Philippines. As a university faculty member, I would ... Read More
Maids by morefuninthephilippines
One thing, I must admit, is I got a little excited when my husband and I decided to look at the option of having a maid. People here don't understand that as it is the norm, but coming from Australia it was quite the novelty! I no longer have a ...
I believe many of you are missing some important points here. First of all, it is the culture in the Philippines that many families (if they can afford it) have some degree of domestic help. In my wife's family it was often a relative; a way to ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
Having been married to the same Filipina 25 years and spend considerable time in the PI, I am really sad to read almost all the above posts. So sorry, the Philippines did not live up to YOUR expectations of behavior and it is probably good if you go ... Read More
Is it hard to earn 3000 pesos? by remy13
My husband's family is living in Misamis Oriental..his mother has a Vegetable's stall in public market while my father in law grow a cassava and corn in their family land..my sister in law working at local bank with salary of 11,000 pesos and the ...
Remy13. Let me offer my two cents worth as a Kano successfully married to a Filipina ( with ALL the family) for almost 25 years now. You are missing the big question here. It is not how much that family group needs to live. They are making it now ... Read More
Philippines Stopping Filipinas from Leaving As A Tourist? by thailen
I have a filipina girlfriend who I invited to live with me in Thailand. She is hearing that Thailand immigration is stopping filipinos at the Bangkok airport for not having enugh thai money, for not having a valid reason to come in, etc., even ...
This was poster several months ago, but I just had to reply. Son, I can think of no greater calamity that could befall you then to get caught in either the PI or Thailand with any kind of fake document. Even after explaining and possible getting ... Read More
Being a Successful Expat in the Philippines
Then I agree. A hard lesson for many Kano in the PI is that business is not simply done in the same manner. It is all about contacts, relationships, building "bridges" with others. You may go to a meeting and the topic or reason for the meeting may ... Read More
Being a Successful Expat in the Philippines
I am married many years to a Filipina and have travelled extensively in Asia and the Philippines. I would tend to agree with two and three, but number one (aggressive) I guess you would have to explain that some more. If any one action will get you ... Read More