Don Davis
@dondee31
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
61
Contacts
10
About me
American
Lives in Ormoc
Speaks English some Spanish
Registration: 02 April 2010
New members of the Haiti forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018
Hello. I am thinking about going to Haiti to live for a while. I will need a lot of help since I am Caucasian and will stick out like a sore thumb. My intent is to volunteer in what ever way I can be of use. thank you Read More
Expats on Leyte by goingabroad
Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum. Our family moved to the Philippines in 2015. Currently, we are living in Ormoc City, Leyte. My wife's hometown. Just wanted to see if there were any other expats near this area?
Hi and hello. My name is Don Davis and I live right next to Albuera in Ormoc. There are a bunch of expats around here and I would like to invite you to have coffee with us. We often meet at around 11 am at the Dunkin Donut downtown across from ... Read More
Expats on Leyte by goingabroad
Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum. Our family moved to the Philippines in 2015. Currently, we are living in Ormoc City, Leyte. My wife's hometown. Just wanted to see if there were any other expats near this area?
Yes, we still live in Ormoc and would be glad to meet you any time. Don Read More
Expand your social circle in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to the Philippines means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one ...
For me, it has been very hard to make friends, in fact so hard that I do not really have any here. I have been called one of the nicest and easiest persons to meet by more than one person, so what is the problem? I walk into town, or ride a ... 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 ...
Try to be prepared for emergencies. Some hospitals have their own ambulances. Find those hospitals and get a working number to their ambulance. Find out the time the operators are on duty, cause often the ambulances do NOT work at night. Call the ... Read More
Ammendment of a Probationary 13a Visa to Permanent by mharrich
Hi, I live in CDO but I have to go to Manila to amend my 13a visa from probationary to permanent. My Probationary VISA expires June 23. I had hoped to submit my application to amend in CDO but the NBI Clearance for foreigners takes two months ...
knud What the first guy is referring to is not the yearly sign-in for foreigners with a 13A visa, but the steps a guy must go through to get this one year temporary permanent 13A visa turned into a permanent (not true as usual, its only good for ... Read More
Ammendment of a Probationary 13a Visa to Permanent by mharrich
Hi, I live in CDO but I have to go to Manila to amend my 13a visa from probationary to permanent. My Probationary VISA expires June 23. I had hoped to submit my application to amend in CDO but the NBI Clearance for foreigners takes two months ...
Hello to you. When I went through that process I was told I would have to come back some time later for the lawyer interview (this was at the old Cebu office of the BI). By this time in the process, my wife and I were getting tired of all the ... Read More
Moving to the Philippines with your family by Bhavna
Hello everybody, When settling abroad with your spouse and children, the expatriation process requires an extensive preparation. What are the considerations to take into account when moving to the Philippines with your family? What challenges have ...
I would not suggest moving to the Philippines if you have a family. Not because of the weather, but because you always want the best for your kids. This country is woefully divided between the haves and the have nots. Unless you have so much money ... Read More
My expat husband is facing a legal problem by annaganda
Good day to all,This is about my husband who is a swiss national who just moved with me in the Phils. Last Christmas,our neighbor had a party and started playing the videoke at 2pm in the afternoon until 4am the next day.. aside fm the loud ...
Guys, we are not really guests in the Philippines. We are visitors and if we live here, we are foreigners staying at the whim of the Filipino government because we bring in money. A guest is "a person who is invited to visit the home of or take ... Read More
Getting a traffic citation, just because you are a foreigner. by Robbie2248
Recently, I was driving along, my wife in the car with me, we were on a 4 hour trip, and bang, some lunatic cut me off, and sideswiped me. I was in the traffic stream, and the other driver, very annoyingly typical of that type, overtook everybody, ...
I am very glad that you took the time to learn the traffic laws in the Philippines and that you stood up for your rights. Every time a foreigner refuses to be intimidated or bullied by the system in this country, it makes it easier for the next guy. ... Read More
Essentials to live in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in the Philippines, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in the Philippines? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what ...
Travelling to, and living in, are two way different things Pete. Let's face it, twelve months is a lot more than three to seven weeks. Getting good quality things here at a fair price it not easy, and in some cases, nearly impossible. ... 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 ...
"I would also suggest for people who voices out their opinion should be make careful. I think it will help if we don't make a fallacy of generalization :)" Yes, in the Philippines, as with most third world countries, the local people ... Read More
My expat husband is facing a legal problem by annaganda
Good day to all,This is about my husband who is a swiss national who just moved with me in the Phils. Last Christmas,our neighbor had a party and started playing the videoke at 2pm in the afternoon until 4am the next day.. aside fm the loud ...
Like I said before, in many countries, ALL people have rights, but not here and not in most third world countries. The laws are just not meant to be fair, for anyone, let alone foreigners. There are times when it it really hard not to speak up, ... Read More
why older foreigners loves to marry younger pinays? by Caring Sandra
i am just confused why older foreigner likes very young pinay?then after they will complain that younger pinay likes only Money?Why they marry without even taking seriously there feelings..they do not like older pinay?What is wrong with matured ...
Hi Sandra, I do not know the answer to your question. My first fiance was 40 and had five children. My eventual wife was 35 when we married. I had enough problems with those two, usual adult relationship problems, etc. I can not guess at the ... Read More
Expats on Leyte by goingabroad
Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum. Our family moved to the Philippines in 2015. Currently, we are living in Ormoc City, Leyte. My wife's hometown. Just wanted to see if there were any other expats near this area?
Hey Goingabroad, Hello neighbor. My wife and I live in the Mejia subdivison and would love to meet your family. There are a large number of expats here. Go to the Dunkin Donuts across from Jollibees downtown every morning between 10 and 1 pm and you ... Read More
Essentials to live in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in the Philippines, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in the Philippines? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what ...
Money is really good to bring since cash gets a better exchange rate and as I found out after typhoon Yolanda, when there is no electricity and the banks and financial institutions are all closed, its really nice to have cash. Medicines, not all the ... Read More
When you seperate from your girlfriend in Philippines. by neptune1967
This is an incredible topic. Many foreign men just do not know the implications of living with your girlfriend and just what can happen when and I say when not if you break up. If anyone is in this situation or thinks they are then discussion is ...
I agree with ABC. This whole land and property thing is just part of the overall rip-off foreigners doctrine the Philippines has. Filipinos, unlike nearly every other country, demands to keep control of everything; ie, land, business, politics. I ... Read More
Mariage Annulment with filipina. Need copy of annulment in Cebu by dctrno60
I hv been trying to find out who where or how I can get a copy of annulment filed in Cebu phil by my wife who I married here in calif.. she told me that her annulment was finalized but when I ask her for a copy she refuses...now I hv the suspicious ...
Philippine e-Legal Forum How long does an annulment process usually take? The entire process could take less than a year or, if you鈥檙e unfortunate, years. There are so many factors that could delay the proceedings. You and your lawyer must ... Read More
Where do Canadian expats live in the Philippines? by GuestPoster144846
I am a Canadian approaching retirement. My girlfriend is from the Philippines, living just outside Manila. I've visited her twice, and she has visited me in Canada twice. I'm going back in April and we are planning a short trip to ...
But I will say again, my worst day in the US was better than any day (except 2) that I have spent in the Philippines. I have been criticized by racist Filipinos for saying that, but its true. There is a pall covering this country and it just ... Read More
Where do Canadian expats live in the Philippines? by GuestPoster144846
I am a Canadian approaching retirement. My girlfriend is from the Philippines, living just outside Manila. I've visited her twice, and she has visited me in Canada twice. I'm going back in April and we are planning a short trip to ...
Hey, I was just kidding you. Canadians are known to have a great sense of humor. I just am too nice to live here. People here (in general) consider anyone who wants to help them for free either stupid or insane. All my efforts in improving the ... Read More
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Embassy Davao City Outreach: by philipperv
Davao City Date: Thursday, February 11, 2016 Time : 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Venue : Park Inn by Radisson Davao Asian Highway 26 J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City If you are a U.S. Military Veteran please attend this upcoming Outreach ...
Hey Philippine Perv, very good post for once. For us vets out in the provinces, its not always so easy to go to Manila. *** Read More
Mariage Annulment with filipina. Need copy of annulment in Cebu by dctrno60
I hv been trying to find out who where or how I can get a copy of annulment filed in Cebu phil by my wife who I married here in calif.. she told me that her annulment was finalized but when I ask her for a copy she refuses...now I hv the suspicious ...
Guy, your story sounds very strange. I married my first wife in California and spent many hours in immigration offices for months afterwards with this form or that. If your "wife" left you after three weeks then why didn't you go to ... Read More
Where do Canadian expats live in the Philippines? by GuestPoster144846
I am a Canadian approaching retirement. My girlfriend is from the Philippines, living just outside Manila. I've visited her twice, and she has visited me in Canada twice. I'm going back in April and we are planning a short trip to ...
Dude, you cant be serious thinking to move to a foreign country just to live around fellow Canadians? Really....lol I live in Leyte and never even seen a Canadian. (Of course I have never seen Richard or Lucy either) I know many Filipinos who ... Read More
When you seperate from your girlfriend in Philippines. by neptune1967
This is an incredible topic. Many foreign men just do not know the implications of living with your girlfriend and just what can happen when and I say when not if you break up. If anyone is in this situation or thinks they are then discussion is ...
This topic interests me, since I am married to a Filipina and living in the Philippines. I have been writing about the topic of interpersonal relations between Filipinas and foreigners for awhile. I have met no foreigner who has a wife or girlfriend ... Read More
My expat husband is facing a legal problem by annaganda
Good day to all,This is about my husband who is a swiss national who just moved with me in the Phils. Last Christmas,our neighbor had a party and started playing the videoke at 2pm in the afternoon until 4am the next day.. aside fm the loud ...
All I can say, is after living in the Philippines for awhile, I have absolutely no confidence in its legal system. Any time a foreigner gets involved with lawyers or the police, something bad is going to happen. I do admire the people here who ... 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 ...
davtjo.... I suggest you think you know it all. And that is a big mistake in a third world country. You do not know what a Filipino will really do one minute to the next. The minute you start thinking you KNOW Filipinos, is the minute you will wind ... 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 ...
Actually, there are probably a lot of places in the Philippines that are nice to live in. Danao is really small but nice. Cebu has a lot of pretty girls and good night life,(real night life, not hooker bars). Baguio has great weather (usually), ... 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. First of all, I would NOT suggest you retire to the Philippines. Come and visit here for awhile to see what the country is really like. Its a mess. People are not as truly friendly as you may have been led to believe either. But, if you ... Read More
Moving to Philippines by GuestPoster 145
Hello. I am a British man with a British wife and 2 children aged 7 and 9. We currently live in Spain and I work offshore in Asia. We are looking to move to the Philippines to start a new life and I am wondering how we go about getting visas etc and ...
Why here? As British you will find it nicer in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. The Philippines is not a place to move to with a family, unless you are so rich you can completely control your surroundings. Why here??? Read More
PLDT & what appears to be INTENTIONAL broadband choking activity by Calif-Native
This is both a "Mega vent" and what I hope to be a informational rant. It has been over a year since I have had PLDT 5-Mbps service (or being billed for it w/o receiving it). The first thing I want to try to do is put this rant in more ...
From one CA native to anther, good job. I am heading back to CA soon I hope. Even the worst day in the Bay area is better than living in the Philippines. Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Guys, ever since the Philippines took away the ability for foreigners to own land, a thriving market has developed to rip off any foreigner stupid enough to think they can somehow buy land safely. You can't. I am renting a really nice 3 bed ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Most guys who come here are older, like me. I have been here six years and really do not like it. But I got married and have a little son and can not afford to go back home. I would never think about trying to buy land PERIOD. Don't any other ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in the ...
I am not pleased when Filipinos defend racist, sexist and just bad behavior by blaming it on the old, fat, decrepit foreigners. But that is their culture. We are talking about surprises in culture, and here is one for sure. Lying to people is ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in the ...
I just wrote somethings down that have surprised me over the last six years, but it does not really matter. I am living in their country and what I think or feel makes absolutely no difference to any one here. The one thing that I can say is that ... Read More
Problems with accuracy in Filipino schools by dondee31
Hello. A friend of mine here in Ormoc got into trouble with the local Catholic School district. The problem was that he, being a PhD in psychiatry, would examine his two children's school work every day. We would find numerous mistakes in ...
Hello again. I talked with my friend, who incidentally now lives on a different island, and he explained to me that he brought errors to the attention of the teachers WHEN his children had been graded down for giving a answer that was actually ... Read More
Problems with accuracy in Filipino schools
Hello. A friend of mine here in Ormoc got into trouble with the local Catholic School district. The problem was that he, being a PhD in psychiatry, would examine his two children's school work every day. We would find numerous mistakes in ... Read More
Spousal visa for Filipina wife to the United States
Hello. I would like to ask anyone who has actually gone through a spousal visa how long it takes AND did you avail yourself of the non-immigrant visa for your wife at the same time you sent in the spousal visa? We have been married six years and ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
I am married to a Filipina and live here permanently. This issue has bothered me for years. I feel very strongly that foreigners should not attempt to buy land in the Philippines. I have never lived in a country where the locals treat foreigners as ... Read More
Safety in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in the Philippines? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you ...
I have been in the Philippines for five years. Half a year in Baguio, half a year in Manila, and four years here in Ormoc, Leyte. No problem in Baguio or even Manila. Had my passport 'picked' in Tacloban, and my wallet picket in Cebu. But ... Read More
US Companies with work positions in Philippines by latino123
Hello, I have been looking companies in the US that have operations in Philippines. However, when I run searches in their career pages specifying Philippines, the jobs are for the people in PH. I am looking for some sort of position with travel ...
Are you guys crazy? Why do you think there are MILLIONS of Filipinos (OFW) working overseas? First of all, there are few good jobs in this country. Secondly, the pay is absolutely horrible. Filipinos do not like foreigners working in this country. ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines 聳 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in the Philippines in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of the Philippines you are living in. How much does it cost to live in the ...
Hello. My wife, three year old son and I live in Ormoc, Leyte. We pay P 5,500 for an older three bed room house that we have to pay to repair for most problems. (Yolanda was not good for us) Electricity is P 1,900 a month with four hours of AC ... Read More
who wants to watch soccer(football worldcup)with me on monday? by Farnazmhrn
I want to go to a bar watching Soccer worldcup and who wants to join me?
What city is that in??? 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. ...
C-N As a fellow Californian, I must commend you on your bravery and perseverance!! I know its easy to be negative as a foreigner in this country, and I really don't want to be. But this issue of 'laws' makes me crazy. I truly hope ... 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. ...
Yes Sir, the Philippines has anti harassment laws, anti prostitution laws anti child abuse anti child labor ... 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. ...
Hello C-N. Good work on your post. If we were in another country I would say the laws you listed would be enough to control any manager, boss or professor from unwanted sexual advances. However, this country does not abide by its own laws. The legal ... Read More
who wants to watch soccer(football worldcup)with me on monday? by Farnazmhrn
I want to go to a bar watching Soccer worldcup and who wants to join me?
Gosh, I wish I could....watching the first game on a computer was terrible. There are no bars, clubs, hotels or resorts of any kind in Ormoc showing the World Cup matches via cable or satellite. Besides, who is open at 4 am ??? Read More
Visting next month... by Jimf
Hello all, My name is Jim. I work in the fire service and recently completed a nursing program so its time to take that trip to my future home.... Hope to meet any individuals or familes interested in cultural exchange and friendship with a ...
Kiwi, Good luck and I am glad your girl friend's son has you looking after his current and long term well fare. Not much more I can say. Don Read More
Visting next month... by Jimf
Hello all, My name is Jim. I work in the fire service and recently completed a nursing program so its time to take that trip to my future home.... Hope to meet any individuals or familes interested in cultural exchange and friendship with a ...
Hey Kiwi, Wow, you made a big move to get away from your girl friends family..now let's see if your girl friend will accept that. Please forgive me, but there is a business in this country of Filipinas irresponsibly getting pregnant by their "true ... Read More
Visting next month... by Jimf
Hello all, My name is Jim. I work in the fire service and recently completed a nursing program so its time to take that trip to my future home.... Hope to meet any individuals or familes interested in cultural exchange and friendship with a ...
Hello Flying Fox, I truly wish I was completely wrong about the Filipino people, but I sincerely believe that I am not. The entire culture of the Philippines is corrupted. No part of this society runs honestly and fairly. Whether is the government, ... Read More
a spanish in the Philippines! by angelaguerra
hello everybody! i麓m a spanish expat in Hanoi looking for an amazing trip to Philippines, I already booked the flights on April to Manila, but really i need some advices! when you are a expat you want to see something different than in Lonely ...
Hola mi amogo! I am not a native Spanish speaker jajaja. You can learn about many fun things to do and places to go once you are here. Lonely Planet guides are usually very good about letting you know the things to see and do, but there are other ... Read More
Doing business in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, are foreign investors welcome in the Philippines? Is it complicated to register a company in the Philippines? What is the procedure? What is the corporate tax rate in the Philippines? Is it easy to recruit? Any advice you would ...
Hello Julien, Please listen to the other responders. They all seem like they know what they are talking about. Also, a business licence can be taken away for a variety of reasons, so that is another reason not to start up a company in this ... Read More
Visting next month... by Jimf
Hello all, My name is Jim. I work in the fire service and recently completed a nursing program so its time to take that trip to my future home.... Hope to meet any individuals or familes interested in cultural exchange and friendship with a ...
Hello Jim. My name is Don and I was your neighbor when I lived in Vallejo. I came to the Philippines after I retired from teaching. You may know that there are over 50,000 Filipinos in Vallejo. Well, the people here are not like the majority of the ... Read More
thinking about moving to the philippines- need a nice-safe apartment by kccowboy170
need to find a nice safe apartment for under $200.00-anywhere in the philippines-need all of the info i can get about moving there and living there-thanks-gary
Hi and hello to you. Yes it is possible to get a nice apartment in the Philippines for under $200 a month. It really depends on where. In the big cities, like Manila and Cebu, maybe Davao it would not be easy. But most other places it is possible. ... Read More
Do and don't in the Philippines by expat.com
Are you living in the Philippines? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in the Philippines? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in the ...
Hi I have been here for two years now, married a Filipina, have a four month old baby, and now live on Leyte. Best advice given to me was to "always expect the unexpected". That means that things often to not go as they are supposed to go in ... Read More