Did any of you guys or gals get clobbered with Tropical Storm Kestana? Hope not...
At the risk of putting salt on a possible wound, that is one major reason I expect to retire in or around Davao City. Virtually no cyclone activity. I have had enough hurricane stress here in Florida to last a lifetime.
--Rich--
bangkaboat
Member
Rich,
It's quite a toss-up though, don't you think. Choose anywhere inThe Philippines and you can find natural or man-made disasters. The more active volcanos, typhoons, flooding, guerrilla war-fare. Mind you, in North America we have forest fires, twisters, hurricanes, drought, flooding, intense heat or cold, depending on where you live. I suppose I didn't choose Davao as much as it chose me, as that is where my wife's family is based. What attracts me to Davao most are:
1) Lots of fresh fruit, fish, land-meat
2) Less tainted by foreigners - locals aren't fed up with us, yet. (lol)
3) Less pollution.
4) Not too crowded, still.(I hope)
I have walked from my wife's family's house to the market in water past my knees, however. But, yes, having been through typhoons in Taiwan, I can do without them, as well.
Boy, am I looking forward to getting back there! No snow!
Mike
toninsp
Member
Damage is huge, especially in Marikina City, home of my family. They lost everything in their house. Water was all the way up to the 2nd floor. At this very moment the water has retreated but is still knee-deep. Luckily they could escape to a higher building nearby but there are big problems with the provison of food, water and dry clothes.
I'm in communication with the Philippine embassy in Singapore (we are still in Singapore but move to Marikina City coming Thursday) to mobilize general material and financial help. We will bring personally clothing and food as much as we can.
We planned our move/my immigration to the Philippines a long time ago. Everything went great sofar, including my 13A visa but most plans are now in a shambles. But that's the way it is, that's a part of Filipino life and I'm not deterred. If you don't mind I will let you know the reply of the Embassy with respect to official financial/material support channels.
Wish us luck.
bangkaboat
Member
I've been watching all of the news reports over the last couple of days. Man, what a mess! I really feel for any, and all, affected by this. I understand that more rain is expected. The risk of disease will be significant.
Mike
bangkaboat
Member
My wife is supposed to be flying out of Manila for Vancouver, Today at noon. Our niece is heading from Manila to San Fransisco, as well. Does anyone know if the planes are flying? Best of luck to all of you who are in the area of this "Super typhoon". I hope it is less than expected.
Mike
Bob New York
Member
There are websitees for tracking flights in and out of most major airports. Manila Intl. may have its own website. I was checking flights in and out of Manila earlier today and from that it would appear Manila Intl. is functional. I dont have the link to give to you at the moment but a websearch should give you their website.
bangkaboat
Member
Thanks, Bob. My wife called me as she was boarding. I know about the website, but have found that it can be inaccurate. My best wishes for those in the areas of this latest typhoon.
Mike
Bob New York
Member
Did your wife have any comment as to conditions at the airport as to how it may have been affected by the flooding etc. ?
bangkaboat
Member
Not when I spoke to her, Bob. I'll find out when I pick her up in a few hours & comment on anything significant.
bangkaboat
Member
Sorry for the delayed response. According to my wife, there are no issues at the Ninoy airport, regarding post-typhoons.
Bob New York
Member
Thanks for that first hand info on the condition of the Airport. Much appreciated.
You must log in to post.
