http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ Just another bbPress community en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:02:57 +0000 http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=50#post-2494 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:23:37 +0000 chasdv 2494@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi Jimjones,<br /> Just browsing over previous comments and re read yours about poverty in the US.<br /> It brought to mind a phrase spoken by Franklin Roosevelt,<br /> "The test of our progress is not wether we add more to the abundance of those who have much,it is wether we provide enough for those who have too little".<br /> Still relevant today i think.</p> <p>regards Chas. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=258#post-2493 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:10:09 +0000 stan 2493@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi love this forum....</p> <p> I have just recently started dating a beautiful filipina girl who is here on a work contract to work at a local hotel. She is very sweet and has wonderful old fashioned values..... she has been in the country for 6 months now and the work contract states that she is to work here for 2 years with options for her employer to keep her for another year.<br /> She has a husband that she is seperated from back in the philippines and a daughter of 5 years. She has expressed to me that she would like to bring her daughter to this country because she misses her so much! She seems to think that in order to bring her daughter over to Canada she has to become a Canadian citizen which will take about 2 years and has to be sponsered by her employer (who is only able to sponser 4 people per year)<br /> Does anyone know if there is a faster way for her to be with her daughter? I have even expressed to her that I would be willing to pick her daughter up for her since she is unable to leave the country for the first year or two of her contract! </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=50#post-2492 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:02:40 +0000 Paul Thompson 2492@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi Doug;<br /> Rudeness and bad manners, can not be considered culture, unless there is a new meaning to the word. I'm on your side with this. You were treated badly. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=189#post-2491 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:06:45 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2491@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>It is good to see people are able to retire young so you can enjoy life, and be young enough to build a good life here. Hope life treats you well. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=50#post-2490 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:22:34 +0000 jimjones 2490@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>The worst part about how everyone in the Philippines expects the foreigner to be the ATM machine is that THEY NEVER learned the word THANK YOU. It just goes to show how strong the cultural perception of 'all foreigners are rich' is.</p> <p>That perception believe it or not is true if we look at it mathematically but it is not true in ALL cases. But there's no use in explaining unless you want to be laughed at because it will never be understood anyway. I for one am not rich and I have come to Philippines on my last savings having lost everything due to the world economic crises. Anyway I wont go into that because for Philippinos who have never been abroad thats impossible to comprehend. I will always be richer and it's my fault.</p> <p>FOREIGNERS ARE LIVING IN POVERTY IN THE USA !! Believe it or not its true, it's just not advertised because the government will look bad.</p> <p>In the USA for example Rich people never give money away and never show kindness to others that are poorer. If they did there would be no poor people in America. THE FOREIGNERS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE PROBABLY THE KINDEST AND GENEROUS PEOPLE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. The way money is given away here to family, friends, friends of friends, neighbours etc. is totally unheard of in the west. In fact people in the west see this as BIZZARE.and CRAZY </p> <p>Foreigners will never be thanked, respected, understood or have a justifiable excuse to be treated otherwise. Just accept that what is not normal in the West is normal here. If the Philippino woman you are with is really wonderful (and not scamming you) then the saying that all good things don't come cheap is really true. hahaha </p> <p>Don't worry be happy, you are RICH!!!!! . </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=257#post-2489 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:28:55 +0000 bangkaboat 2489@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Sorry, brain on order. You were referring to Bob's article on Hollomon? My very limited understanding is that this is a case of alleged estafa, to do with recruitment(hence under Rep. Act 8042) in which fees were charged for services which were not forthcoming. I must admit to finding the police much less reluctant to involve themselves in issues concerning foreigners, than that which I have experienced in other Asian countries. In Davao, I have called on the assistance of the police when necessary &#38; find them to be fair in their treatment of foreigners. By fair, I mean that a foreigner is subject to the same laws as any Filipino. Break the law &#38; you face prosecution. What more could one ask for?<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=257#post-2488 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:24:34 +0000 bangkaboat 2488@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>I just read the Act &#38; do not understand how you are applying this to the consideration of employing a nanny/etc. in The Philippines. I will look for an article to enlighten me on the specific case in Surigao - direct me to a link if you can - but have never had a legal issue concerning the employment of maids/cooks, drivers, labourers, nannys, etc. . Recruitment, in consideration of the Act, is in reference to the recruitment agencies operating in The RP and abroad, and does not - from my perspective - .apply to domestic employment issues, formal or informal.<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=257#post-2487 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:02:43 +0000 glimer 2487@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>well OK james - It was more about my questions than about the guys there...Id hoped yo get some respon on that. Do you have any knowlegde about the law You can add ? </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=257#post-2486 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:57 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2486@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>I am glad they caught them, and hope they do some serious jail time. I am an American who choose to live in Surigao City with my family. I love this city and the people that live here. They are a genuinely warm and friendly people, and make me feel like this is my home. It is a great place to live. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=257#post-2485 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:27:23 +0000 glimer 2485@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hello All :-)</p> <p>Nice site !!!</p> <p>Just reading about the guy in Surigao arrested for violation of<br /> REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042.<br /> Well i didnt know much about that before but reading what this Act actually says<br /> I started to wonder.....</p> <p>I am planning to settel down here too... like many of You guys...but<br /> am I as foreigner with legal visa not allowed to hire even a maid or an assistent to help me responding my many emails and stuff ?<br /> And what about a nanny ?<br /> Do I need a special permit for that...in case where do I get that ?</p> <p>Could You advize me on that Guys ?</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>If You want to read that law its here:<br /> <a href="http://images.gmanews.tv/html/research/2007/12/ra_8042.htm" rel="nofollow">http://images.gmanews.tv/html/research/2007/12/ra_8042.htm</a> </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=251#post-2484 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:39:34 +0000 chasdv 2484@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi Mushin,<br /> When you arrive with your wife and request a 12 month Balikbayan visa don't forget to have your marriage certificate with you in case they request to see it.</p> <p>Regarding a ticket to HK, i don't think you can fly direct from Davao without going via Cebu or Manila.Just buy a ticket Manila to HK as proof you intend to leave the country.</p> <p>regards Chas. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=251#post-2483 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:20:24 +0000 Kevin Hemminger 2483@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hey Bob, about that 16 months, you sure thats right? Best of my knowledge a foreigner can stay for 24 months before they have to leave (2 years), in fact I'm on my 20th month right now. On the 16th month you have to get approved clearance from Manila to continue renewing your visa. Basically, I went in to the filipino embassy next to Victoria Plaza in Davao, got some paperwork to fill out, went to expedited mail it in Victoria Plaza, then about a week later we went back in. During that week, Manila faxed approval back to the Davao branch and then they stamped my passport as normal (and at that point you're allowed to stay to the remainder of 2 years). </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=249#post-2482 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:39:50 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2482@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>bangkaboat,</p> <p>I plan to open a small place here in the next couple of years, we have a 6-1/2 hector farm and I want to grow the meats, herbs. fruits, and vegetables. Then We will open. I want to control my supply line, that way I can control cost and availability. </p> <p>We have devoted a lot of planning and preparation to open this type of business. We live in Surigao City which has an ideal environment for new businesses, and the locals support a good restaurants industry here. It is only a 120,000 population but most area small communities travel here regularly, because it is a hub city for those locals to purchase products and supplies. </p> <p>The problem here is most have no idea what a real Pizza is outside of Pizza Hut, and no clue of authentic Italian pasta dishes. I have been married for 24 years, and my wife a duel citizen has lived with me in Houston for over 24 years. Houston has a large Italian population and she understands what Italian cuisine truly is. and taste like. We also will grill meats and make several Hoagie sandwiches. An will have some authentic New Orleans Cajun dishes. Italian-Grill-Hoagies-Cajun should be a winning combination..</p> <p>Once a few years back I stopped with my wife North of Manila and before Bagio. We ordered a pizza which came to the table as a large thick square cracker dough with banana-catchup, shredded raw cabbage, sliced raw cucumber, and mystery meat. I politely ask the lady what it was, With a confused look and a prideful smile exclaimed, "It is Real Pizza." In that story lies the problem, you can not understand something unless you experience it first hand. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2481 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:41:22 +0000 JohnM 2481@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Gerry:</p> <p>Are you married to a Filipina? If so, you need a 13a visa, which is permanent residence.</p> <p>There is an SRRV for retirees that requires an investment, but you can include the cost of a condo purchase as part of the investment.</p> <p>Many people also come on a tourist visa and extend up to 2 years before having to make a brief visa run and resetting the clock.</p> <p>Just depends on your circumstances. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=256#post-2480 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:28:37 +0000 bangkaboat 2480@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Kevin,<br /> A balikbayan visa is simple enough. No, leaving/returning to the country shouldn't be a problem for your wife, in terms of the visa. My wife &#38; I did that back in the 90s; flew two Hong Kong for a 2 week vacation, return, &#38; good for the year. Just remember to approach the airport immigration official together. I've never heard of anyone being turned down. That's what I like about it; no headaches/done deal!<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=254#post-2479 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:20:44 +0000 bangkaboat 2479@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Rab,<br /> Congratulations!<br /> You'll find a lot of good info. here. Best to ask opinions as the questions come to mind. Which area of the Philippines is your wife from? Is that where you plan to settle?<br /> Welcome!<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=249#post-2478 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:16:20 +0000 bangkaboat 2478@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>James,<br /> Well that's just great! How about a warning before listing off those ingredients, I just drooled on my laptop while reading your post - must be past dinner time - and my wife is looking at me with disgust! lol</p> <p>I'm too lazy to be making pizza myself, but will climb mountains for the right one. I wouldn't mind being a silent partner in such an endeavour, but I have had enough businesses in the Philippines to know that I don't want the headaches. I plan to brew my own beer(150-200yr. old family recipe) when I get there, but, in a similar vein, have told my wife that any thoughts on going commercial with that will have to be her baby. My personal plan, when I arrive, is to do what I wish to do each day &#38; avoid being in a position of having to do things. But, like I said, I'd pay to have great pizza in Davao. Hey, maybe that element of Davao has changed, as well. When I was last there, there were two places and the pizza in each was pretty lame. I once had my Mother send me cheddar cheese from Canada. What a mess! The post office personnel were so offended by the smell of the package they'd held for a week that they delivered it to our home, unusual in those days. I'll have to see if Stein - owns Dayang Beach on Talikud - is posted to the Norwegian Embassy in Manila, as he was a better source of hard-to-find food items than my own embassy, even when he was posted in Baghdad.</p> <p>Yup, gonna gain 50 lbs in my first year there.</p> <p>Eric, whatever you get going, keep us informed &#38; I'll swing by on my way down.</p> <p>Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=256#post-2477 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:01:53 +0000 Kevin Hemminger 2477@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>I'm an American citizen, been in the Philippines since March 2008 (going on 20 months) I've been simply renewing every 2 months on a visitor visa.</p> <p>I'm married to a filipina and will have been married for 1 year come December 8th.</p> <p>I'm considering the Balikabayan visa (take my wife to Singapore and come back next day and get a 1 year Balikabayan stamp) because it seems like its the least hassle, automatic and free (besides the cost of the trip). This leaving for a day won't change the status of my filipina wife into balikabayan though correct? (I've heard or read that there's less rights available to a filipina if they are balikabayan).</p> <p>On the 24th month it will be 2 years ... I'm assuming that no matter what I do I have to leave and come back? I've heard about a spousal visa that will allow me to renew year by year, how much is that, how long does it take to get it and would I still be required to leave before the 24th month before it kicks in?</p> <p>Just wanting to do the least hassle method, I don't want to have to wait for months for documents that may or may not being processed properly. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2476 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:19:03 +0000 Gerry 2476@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi,<br /> I have decided, after much deliberation and advice from on line friends, that I want to retire to the Philippines.<br /> The more I read, the more confused I become.<br /> Can I get a permanent visa or similar document to reside there permanently or do I have to renew it or leave periodically?<br /> In one of your forums I read about the need to have a plane ticket to leave in order to enter the country.<br /> Can someone please tell me exactly what I need to do to be able to permanently retire to the Philippines? </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=249#post-2475 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:44:05 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2475@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Bankaboat,</p> <p>The clay coal oven is easy to build, oregano, garlic, mushrooms,tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers grow well here. If you make a good marinara, primavera, and alfredo sauce; with the seafoods and excellent egg plants that grow here, you should make outstanding authentic Italian dishes. Making your own noodles is easy enough. Asian water buffalo milk makes some of the finest mozzarella in the world. Parmesan cheese will have to be purchased, it is a easy cheese to make but takes 5 months to form but most is aged for two years. You can make fresh Italian sausage, and smoke your own ham. You only need to make a good quality pizza dough, and you can produce a world class pizzeria-Italian restraint at a very reasonable cost overhead.</p> <p>The rest is "Location, Location, Location" </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=249#post-2474 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:17:23 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2474@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Fanboat</p> <p>Happy to see you are still doing good. Hope the new life is a happy one.</p> <p>James </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=243#post-2473 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:05:25 +0000 jamesmusslewhite 2473@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>been way North, been way South. I still love the area around Surigao City. Quite safe clean little city with genuinely warm friendly Visayan people. Lots of little islands with great beaches with lots to do and see. I30,000 people with a small town feel, sea girls, sea girls, sea girls. </p> <p>Child friendly, business friendly, and a growing infrastructure, seaport, and airport. Lands affordable and rents reasonable with clean waterways, rivers, and the water is safe out of the tap. Lots of good fishing and water sports; fresh meats, fish, fruit and vegetables in the markets. I love it here and would not really consider living elsewhere. It just has a good feel and nice flow about the place. Did I mention sea girls, sea girls, sea girls? </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=254#post-2472 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:55:29 +0000 rab 2472@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi all<br /> i am new to the site and have found stories here very interesting. I am engaged to a lovely girl at the min and we both live and work in the UAE. We are looking at getting married in the Philippines next Nov and im wondering if anyone out there has any helpful tips for me.<br /> I have been over a few times and love the place and people just cant beat it we are also looking at moving over after the marriage as we both think it will be best the place for us.<br /> Thanks<br /> Rab </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=233#post-2471 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:56:44 +0000 Paul Thompson 2471@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Matt;<br /> In 1999 I built my house here in the P.I.; it’s a 4 bedroom, 3 baths with a large living room, dining room and eat in kitchen. Hired an engineer for labor and plans only. Sat with him and designed the house. We then built an outbuilding to store materials (Converted it later to a rest house for parties and such). I hired my wife’s family to watch and issue all materials. Prior to that we canvassed all the local building supply houses and purchased everything in bulk. I purchased most electrical and plumbing supplies in the states and shipped them here by sea. (Price was a tad higher, but quality was what I was after)<br /> My labor contract was written out that I would pay every week on Friday a certain amount, and the finial P100.000.00, on the day of completion and inspection. (Incentive to come to work and finish the job) My wife and her family worked very hard to insure we received a quality house, and after living in it for the past ten years I can say she accomplished her mission. My roof is a 16inch extra reinforced slab, which also serves as a patio. After living through many hurricanes in Florida and Puerto Rico I found that flat roofs are the way to go. Good luck, and do your due diligence and all should go well. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=233#post-2469 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:22:40 +0000 bangkaboat 2469@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Does anyone have a spare jackhammer &#38; portable compressor laying around? Does Anyone know someone who does? My architect thinks he can track one down, but I thought I'd check, in case...</p> <p>For those who have family or friends in the Davao area, whom have knowledge of residential construction, are in good physical condition &#38; are looking for work:</p> <p>My wife &#38; I are looking for a few workers, to replace a few non-workers. This is physically hard work. The Job is in Tagpopongan, on Samal. If you know someone who is interested &#38; you need more info. - wage rate, etc. - contact me at: <a href="mailto:intiaboats@yahoo.ca">intiaboats@yahoo.ca</a></p> <p>The previous crew - my wife just fired them as I wrote the last sentence (I'd better not complain about dinner tonight! lol) - was from Davao, so we had a wage + meals "camp" arrangement . If new workers are from Samal, we'll work straight wage agreement, if prefered.</p> <p>For those who are not amused by this, go and re-read Scott's comments, you must be new because I can guarantee that the RP vets(expats) are all enjoying this one!<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=253#post-2468 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:18 +0000 kingskid 2468@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi Jerry - I take it you are living in the Philippines. I have no idea how long it would take you to get the new passport. It took me 16 days to get my passport here in the States. My son-in-law, who is in the Navy, spent over 7 weeks to get his and that was with a lot of phones getting people on the ball. That is such a wide range of time. Plus Thanksgiving is coming up. Good luck, I hope your passport hasn't expired. Nov 29 is only a short time away. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=252#post-2467 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:46:45 +0000 kingskid 2467@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hi Jim - 2012 and a new breed of Filipina? Yikes, I am in deep poo-poo now. I think I will run for the hills and hide. Maybe Mt. Apo will do. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=253#post-2466 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:45:29 +0000 jerry09 2466@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>hi everybody,<br /> i need to renew my US passport. I went to the embassy website. It seems that they will only take cash or a credit card. I only have a atm card (debit or cash). I have downloaded and filled out the form and it is ready for when I call Fedex/air 21. Should I just send it for now, and then go there to the embassy in person in a couple of days?<br /> Also, I have to leave the country for a job, on Nov. 29,,,,will I get my passport by then, if I send it on Monday Nov. 17th?</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=252#post-2465 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:14:57 +0000 jimjones 2465@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Well everyone is talking about 2012 when there is supposed to be great loss of life.<br /> If the cause will be an asteroid remains to be seen. Could end up being a new killer virus. I do believe that a 7 meter asteroid would flatten an area the size of Texas. Back in the 1920's an asteroid the size of a car hit Siberia and flattened pine forest like match sticks in an area of 200 kilometers in radius. They dont need to get much bigger than that to do serious damage. I guess nature has a way of culling the worlds population since condoms and contraception is not being used especially in countries like China and India. I have no idea why !!!! </p> <p>Maybe an asteroid impact could cause a new genetic female variant of the Filipina with DNA from another world (that's been locked in its icy surface) and then unleashed upon Earth on impact. In time as it evolves it would give rise of a new Filipina strain that could truly be known as a FOREIGNER !!! Western man would then become extinct. </p> <p>Just image, she could then support your family or even buy real estate!!! .<br /> Oh...pretty scary stuff !!! </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=252#post-2464 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:10:56 +0000 kingskid 2464@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Did you hear about this?</p> <p>Last Friday, November 6, 2009 an asteroid named 2009 VA and about 7 meters across passed about one Earth diameter away. That’s a mere whisker. In fact, NASA is saying this is the third-closest known (non-impacting) Earth approach on record. NASA estimates an asteroid of this size does impact the Earth about every five years.</p> <p>2009 VA was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey only 15 hours before the close approach. The time factor isn’t all that surprising, the asteroid is pretty small. A bit over a year ago a smaller asteroid, 2008 TC3, was discovered only 21 hours before it exploded over the Nubian Desert in the Sudan. The significant thing about 2008 TC3 was for the first time an impacting asteroid was seen from Earth, tracked and a impact solution was derived apparently accurate to a few kilometers.</p> <p>As a side note and I don’t know if it is just coincidence or not, a fireball was reportedly seen over Tokyo on November 6. I’ve been looking without success for something a little more substantial than the reports I’ve seen about the sighting, and I don’t mean to imply they are wrong, just not very detailed.</p> <p>Info source: NASA/JPL Near-Earth Object Program</p> <p>How long until the next big one shows up at our doorstep? Japan is very close.</p> <p>Special Thanks to Tom's Astronomy Blog. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=97&page=3#post-2463 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:17:30 +0000 ellen 2463@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Hey thanks Mike. You got to share where those fishing areas are - hahaha. I have seen locals catch something - but very very small. I have seen over a foot long skate jump out of the water when we were anchored out - so there are some big-ger fish out there.<br /> We don't really go out fishing - in fact we seldom throw in our lines when we were out sailing. We don't really have a big fridge onboard so catching a big fish is just a waste for us. </p> <p>My husband is always out in the boat working on it, but very seldom, expats stop by to say hello. It would be nice to meet Stein. Maybe he already did, but my husband just didn't tell me. </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=243#post-2462 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:44:25 +0000 jimjones 2462@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Here is the website for the hotel in Zamboanga I recommend <a href="http://www.astoria-regency.com/" rel="nofollow">www.astoria-regency.com/</a> </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=243#post-2461 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:33:28 +0000 jimjones 2461@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Greetings all, For the record I'm a new member here and I reside with my wife in Zamboanga (Mindenao).<br /> I have been reading this forum for a few weeks now and finally decided that this is the right one for me so I joined up . </p> <p>I am fairly new as an expat and not to overly concerned about living in Zamboanga which is one of the places travel advisories always warn tourists not to go to. It's about time they came here and took a look around for themselves and stop generalizing and making everybody paranoid. I will admit there are areas (not in the Zamboanga city and greater region) that are dangerous but you would have to be a turkey to go there anyway as they are off the beaten track. </p> <p>The people here speak chebucano ( 60% spanish) which I find more difficult to understand than Taglog but thankfully there's always someone who speaks English or returns a smile back to you.</p> <p>Houses for sale and rental are cheaper than anywhere else in Phil (especially when you know the locals and brokers, hehe). and that is a real bonus if you are retiring on a small budget . Zamboanga can only be described as a city still in the 60's but is safe, and has 3 large malls to keep the wife happy, and there are plenty of places to eat and you can go anywhere on tricycles (gas chambers) and Jeepneys. Taxi cabs dont exist here!!!. </p> <p>There are big future development plans I have read, such as plans for a new international airport, 10 storey shopping mall, resorts, hotels, more hospitals etc. So in time it will grow up and have more to offer. </p> <p>The temperature is warm to hot most of the year (32) and thankfully not too humid which is a big bonus!!!. If you live in a house situated on even a small hill or rise there is a good chance of a cool breeze at night when the fan/aircon can be turned off. So keep that in mind when looking for a place. </p> <p>If you ever visit here I personally recommend to stay at the' Regency Astoria' hotel in Pasonanca. This hotel is also a huge function center for weddings, parties, graduations etc. For a hotel with excellent food and service, huge pool and big clean rooms, at a price of around 1000 pesos per night it's totally unbeatable value!!! It even has hot water (well warm water).hehehe. There are good restoraunts near the hotel also on the same road that are worth trying out. There is also a nice leafy park to walk around which is unsuall to see, that has a public swimming pool. </p> <p>If you like seafood there's no better place. This is the seafood capital and it's available direct from the market stalls. There are ofcourse plenty of lechen stalls too. The locals are friendly and love to eat so there's always an exuse for a fiesta. When there is a fiesta in someones home it means someone is getting married and everyone is invited. You will find beef, pork and seafood served as a buffet (just remember to eat the pork as well, ok,) hehehe. </p> <p>From my perspective I have no security concerns with living here as long as you stay alert. hehehe. The only way to really get the feel for any place ofcourse is to stay there for a while. First time I came here I stayed 6 weeks in a two bedroom townhouse rental for 4000 per month. Unfortunately I did have to put up with noisy neighbours partying every night, a bird that talked all day, and 5 dogs that loved to bark. etc... (but that was included in the price, heheh). That's Philippines!!! </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=97&page=3#post-2460 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:35:29 +0000 bangkaboat 2460@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>Ellen,<br /> Sorry to hear that your friends have found fishing in the Gulf to be a challenge. My brother-in-law fishes off of one of our Samal properties &#38; is very happy with his results.</p> <p>I agree that the lack of limitations on fishing are responsible for less than satisfactory stocks. Lamp-lighting &#38; even the use of dynamite has created issues, though not to the extent of wiping out the fisheries.</p> <p>I'm not sure of the link you are drawing between people starving and commercial fish farms, I can only comment on the irrepairable damage that fish farms have caused to the wild salmon stocks in British Columbia due to the introduction of lice-infested atlantic salmon in the fish farms. Of course, this is a region-specific issue. Hopefully, the Philippine People are aware of such atrocities &#38; only introduce fish that are native to the area into the farming, unless that farming is on dry land. I would expect that you &#38; your husband could guide the local fish farming industry in what methods are best for the environment. In fact, I suspect that you could be a great resource to both the national &#38; local governments, as they tread these "unknown waters".</p> <p>FYI, the owner of Dayang Beach, Stein Undheim, is a Norwegian diplomat. I thought I'd mention this as you stated your husband's country of citizenship as same.<br /> Best of luck in your developments &#38; endeavours!<br /> Mike </p> http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/topic.php?id=221#post-2459 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:33:06 +0000 JohnM 2459@http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/forum/ <p>toninsp: </p> <p>I've had nothing but headaches with HSBC in the Middle East... Each country is independent, and they all don't work well together. </p>