ElGatoNegron
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
61
Contacts
9
About me
American
Registration: 12 January 2017
re: Travel to the Cebu during Covid by MovinToCebu
My wife (a Philippine Citizen) and I have been waiting to return to Cebu for the last 3 months. Unfortunately, there are no flights going into to Mactan International Airport at this time. We do have the option to possibly fly from JFK to Manila ...
I, and a couple of others on another board, are flying direct LAX to CEBU on PAL. Beware the cheaper ticket on EVA airlines. It goes through TPE. And the Taiwanese gov is not allowing transiting through TPE at least until thee d of August. After ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
I feel very bad for you. God bless Wayne Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
How did your home building project go? I am beginning to build a home (looking for a design build company) here in Davao. The lot has already been purchased. Please PM me. If you are near Davao, I am happy to buy you a drink or coffee. Read More
Streaming services
My Amazon prime streaming service is not available to my location (Davao) it says. Anyone using this streaming service successfully. Or any other, like Hulu, HBO, Spectrum cable, etc? Read More
Are foreigners allowed to establish a business in the Philippines by shalinit
Hi, Needed to know if foreigners are allowed to establish any kind of business in the Philippines. If so, what are the possible avenues?
Perfect reply. The undercurrents need not be voiced here! Read More
Healthy eating by ElGatoNegron
I live by Dick Gregory’s mantra - you are what you eat. Plus our son has g6pd. What we feed him has restrictions. Needless to say, we are on the wrong side of a culture that seems to care less about what is consumed as long as it turns a ...
Where is the farmers market, please. I am in Cebu about once a month. Thanks in advance Read More
Healthy eating by ElGatoNegron
I live by Dick Gregory’s mantra - you are what you eat. Plus our son has g6pd. What we feed him has restrictions. Needless to say, we are on the wrong side of a culture that seems to care less about what is consumed as long as it turns a ...
I eat a lot of fat, ugly food, always hot (uncool).Agreed! Read More
Healthy eating
I live by Dick Gregory’s mantra - you are what you eat. Plus our son has g6pd. What we feed him has restrictions. Needless to say, we are on the wrong side of a culture that seems to care less about what is consumed as long as it turns a ... Read More
Student life in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Studying in a foreign country is an exciting prospect, but at times students do not have enough information to make an informed decision. We invite you to share your own experiences about studying abroad in the Philippines. What are the ...
It is unproductive, as the moderator has indicated, to engage in the kind of us vs them banter promulgated here. Or any where. Sad, that geolefrench seems to believe that the Philippines need to be compared to the U.S. when it is the U.S. that has ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to the ...
Respectfully, I disagree. Most humans are not islands. We are klanish, tribal, community oriented beings. The absence of human to human contact creates mind/body/spirit isolation. The resulting responses have been well documented. That is the reason ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to the ...
We bring with us the bags we carried while we were where we were. I have met some expats who came looking to turn their lives into something different than what it was. Some have found success in a patient or resilliant partner. Filipinos, ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
I am thinking about building a house in Davao. I am curious to know if you pursued your project. Any lessons learned? I am interested also interested in learning about design build firms in Davao. Has anyone worked with such a firm in Davao? ... Read More
Parenting in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being a parent can be challenging, and even more so when moving abroad, but it can also be an enriching experience. Tell us more below about your role as a parent in the Philippines. How are you experiencing your parental role ...
Yes, the openess of Dept Ed mandated social promotion relegates masses of people to subservient careers/jobs and lives. We send our niece to an English speaking private school in Davao. She scored a 90 last term in English. Can’t get through a ... Read More
Parenting in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being a parent can be challenging, and even more so when moving abroad, but it can also be an enriching experience. Tell us more below about your role as a parent in the Philippines. How are you experiencing your parental role ...
This forum is really enlightening. Managing/navigating potential culture currents so kids do not get lost, achieving a good life full of opportunities and choices they are prepared to make, is a goal not necessarily valued by certain segments of the ... Read More
Tax Refund check by ElGatoNegron
Was just told by BDO, two branches, that they do not accept U.S. Tax refund checks. How can that be? If they accept Social Security checks! Both are drawn on the U. S. Treasury. The check is made out to my wife (Filipina) and me.
The same happened to me last year. Finally, I had to send my check (signed) bycourier to friends who deposited our check into my account. I was told by IRS they do not direct deposit when there is a foreign address on the tax form. The ... Read More
Buying a house & lot, ( foreigner ) by MrSalue
Hello, Thank you for reading this thread, I want to buy a house & lot in the Philippines in Cebu, I married and my wife is from Philippines <3, now I know I can't own a land or house in the Philippines but is there like a special ...
It will be in the names of our kids, 8 month old twins. Any thoughts? Read More
Buying a house & lot, ( foreigner ) by MrSalue
Hello, Thank you for reading this thread, I want to buy a house & lot in the Philippines in Cebu, I married and my wife is from Philippines <3, now I know I can't own a land or house in the Philippines but is there like a special ...
What is happening with your Oslob project? I am looking into Moalboal and Badian. Got any intel on these areas? Wayne Read More
Buying a house & lot, ( foreigner ) by MrSalue
Hello, Thank you for reading this thread, I want to buy a house & lot in the Philippines in Cebu, I married and my wife is from Philippines <3, now I know I can't own a land or house in the Philippines but is there like a special ...
During the Aquino administration a law was enacted giving Filipinos 50% of all property accumulated during the marriage. Not sure about assets brought into the marriage. So, at least in my opinion, the property contract practice goes out the window. ... Read More
U.S. Citizenship for New Child Birth by ElGatoNegron
My wife and I, you may have read on another thread, are expecting twins this April/May. In preparation I am trying to understand what will be required for their citizenship and social security support. I am a bit confused by the Consular Report of ...
Just did it. The interview with the career diplomat was benign. He saw us after the staffer reviewd the application and supporting documents sith us. A few questions from the diplomat, a look at the babies and we were done. He was emgaging - I asked ... Read More
Registering a birth in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Have you had to or are you going to register a birth in the Philippines? What was the experience like? Who is required to register the birth, and where? Can it be either the mother or father? What documents are usually ...
I very much agree with making sure all elements of a Philippine birth certificate is correct; from the hospital to NSO. Getting a birth certificate changed can be a lengthy nightmarish and frustrating process. It is estimated that 30 million ... Read More
Registering a birth in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Have you had to or are you going to register a birth in the Philippines? What was the experience like? Who is required to register the birth, and where? Can it be either the mother or father? What documents are usually ...
Agree, whole heartedly. Additionally, a child with two passports (Philippine and U.S. for ours) has a distinct advantage (even over their Philippine parent, perhaps). They are able to use their nonPhilippine passports to enter countries more ... Read More
Registering a birth in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Have you had to or are you going to register a birth in the Philippines? What was the experience like? Who is required to register the birth, and where? Can it be either the mother or father? What documents are usually ...
Important to note, Calif-Native, you are talking Philippine law here. Right? Read More
Registering a birth in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Have you had to or are you going to register a birth in the Philippines? What was the experience like? Who is required to register the birth, and where? Can it be either the mother or father? What documents are usually ...
Our children are registered by hospital and NSO birth records, CRBA, social security, Philippine and U.S. Passports by their first names (two), middle name (mither's family name) and our/my family name. Maybe you trained them 😊. This was ... Read More
Registering a birth in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Have you had to or are you going to register a birth in the Philippines? What was the experience like? Who is required to register the birth, and where? Can it be either the mother or father? What documents are usually ...
For U.S. Citizens the checklist on this link (https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2017/01/CITIZENSHIP-CRBA-Checklist-2017-January.pdf) is essential. We just went through this process a few months ago. To my knowledge the CRBA is ... Read More
How to get married in the Philippines (Filipino-French) by Tinee De la Cruz
Hi guys! Need help! I'm Filipino 26, and My boyfriend,28 French working in London. We are planning to get married in the Philippines this October. I'm currently in London with him now. We would like to know how to process all the ...
Congrats also. Can I assume your Philippine birth certificate is correct? Meaning your legal name, date of birth, etc? Over thirty million Filipinos have errors on their birth certificate or none at all. This was our problem. It took four months to ... Read More
Tax Refund check
Was just told by BDO, two branches, that they do not accept U.S. Tax refund checks. How can that be? If they accept Social Security checks! Both are drawn on the U. S. Treasury. The check is made out to my wife (Filipina) and me. Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
Never been to Bukidnon. I can say if heat, polution and health concerns are an issue I would avoid Manila, Cebu and Davao but I would also try to be close if getting to quality health care is of concern. Of all the places I have been (and there have ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
Have you been here before? If yes, what did you like about where you visited? Why not go back there? If no, why do you want to move here? What is better fir others may not be better for you. What is important to you? Not for vacation - for living? ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
I find Davao a safe place to live. But remember the law and order president was the law and order mayor here for 20 years. His family, daughter and sins, still run the city. Having said that, there are a couple of places I will not go - why tempt ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
Amen (or whatever affirmation anyone prefers)!!! Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
About three to four hours south east of Davao City. Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
We give cakes, cookies, tips and sometimes even food. Not to guarantee security or even look for any kind of quid pro quo. From my perspective, most security guards and maintenance staff where we have lived make maybe 30 to 50 pesos an hour. Many ... Read More
having a baby
We just had twins, in Davao City. Happy to share whatever info you feel would be helpful. PM or reply here with questions. Wayne Read More
How do I know if my Girlfriend is who she says she is. by Derek.C
I have been chatting to a Lady on Facebook for nearly 4 Years now, But the other day I had a message from someone else saying, My girlfriend is a sex worker and a gold digger, and all her family know about it, and they are only after my money, But ...
The stigma around online dating continues to erode. Various reports talk about more than 10% of serious relationships in the U.S. began online. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/03/online-dating-marriage/2377961/ Read More
How do I know if my Girlfriend is who she says she is. by Derek.C
I have been chatting to a Lady on Facebook for nearly 4 Years now, But the other day I had a message from someone else saying, My girlfriend is a sex worker and a gold digger, and all her family know about it, and they are only after my money, But ...
Questions What signals are you sending to her by not visiting for four years? Why should she have faith in you? If she is a sex worker, what does that mean to you? Have you sent money or stuff to her? Why? Because she asked or because you ... Read More
Outbound ticket/ throwaway ticket by Bernswaggle
Hi to all the Xpats out there, can someone advise me the best way to get an outbound ticket out of the Phillipines as im in Aus at present and may need to show a ticket at Phil customs? not that ive ever been asked for proof yet? but always the 1st ...
Yes, it is the airlines who ask for proof of onward passage, not Immigration. Immigration polices the airlines, I have heard the same about airlines having to pay fines for passengers traveling without proof they have plans and means to leave. I do ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
Thanks FilAmMom You are right about babies crying....jajaja. One of the great things about being here is that we lived here before. The guards know us. My wife made cakes and cookies for them for various holidays. And of course we chat with them. ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
I live in Davao City. My small condo (about 400 sq. ft.) rent is like 25k. I was paying 30k for a three br house (1800 sq. ft.) in an upscale gated neighborhood. You are paying like US $70 a month. Do you mind sharing in what place you ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
I live in Davao City. My small condo (about 400 sq. ft.) rent is like 25k. I was paying 30k for a three br house (1800 sq. ft.) in an upscale gated neighborhood. You are paying like US $70 a month. Do you mind sharing in what place you live. Wayne Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
A legal opinion would be great. This guy is an expat. And had a private room. Good info...... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
Seems that you did to U.S. docs what you do not want done to docs here??? Either way, here's my take on health care. My reference is Cebu, Mati and Davao. I find the health care here competent and parochial. It is triage oriented (focus on ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Philippines, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded ...
If you're near Davao, there's a place in Matina called Relax Spa, near Center Point mall. Massages are php 150, off peak hours. If you don't mind the noise (woman in cellphone next bay) or the massage lady talking to her colleagues and ... Read More
how much i can earn with raise a pig by giovannigio
i would like to ask expat people if someone know, how much it is possible to earn if i buy a baby pig for 1500, o 2500 php and then raise it , and then sell it when it is 100 kilo? thanks
I presume these prices are per night? Read More
Are foreigners allowed to establish a business in the Philippines by shalinit
Hi, Needed to know if foreigners are allowed to establish any kind of business in the Philippines. If so, what are the possible avenues?
My brother-in-law wanted to borrow money to buy a truck so he can move copra from the family farm to market. I offered to buy the truck, keep the title, lease it to him banking the payments until he paid the principal plus 7%. He pays maintenance. I ... Read More
Child birth in the Philippines by ElGatoNegron
My wife and I are living in Davao City. We are expecting twins in May. I'm looking for prices/costs principally. What will child birth/deluvery cost us, Though certainly any experiences you have with hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, etc ...
Wow....this is really good. And so very helpful. We will probably do the birthing suite at Davao Docs. It seem like the best option for me to be allowed inbthe room with my wife as she is having our babies. Not sure why hospitals here in Davao, at ... Read More
U.S. Citizenship for New Child Birth
My wife and I, you may have read on another thread, are expecting twins this April/May. In preparation I am trying to understand what will be required for their citizenship and social security support. I am a bit confused by the Consular Report of ... Read More
Child birth in the Philippines by ElGatoNegron
My wife and I are living in Davao City. We are expecting twins in May. I'm looking for prices/costs principally. What will child birth/deluvery cost us, Though certainly any experiences you have with hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, etc ...
Dirk c, it is doctors opinion that a C-section is inevitable. My wife is usually about 45 kilos and 5'2". I am 6'1, 101 kilos. Yes her bp is quite normal. And she is healthy. Just small in stature. They also said our twins would ... Read More
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 "lets 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 ...
Great offering Davtjo. Thanks for your candor. I appreciate your life view, man. God blesd Read More
My bf deported from hongkong can he enter to philippines?
I presume his passport is from India. Google the requirements to enter the Philippines on that passport. Are you Filipina? Are you aware of all the requirements to be married here? How long will you stay here, to get your marriage application and ... Read More
Child birth in the Philippines by ElGatoNegron
My wife and I are living in Davao City. We are expecting twins in May. I'm looking for prices/costs principally. What will child birth/deluvery cost us, Though certainly any experiences you have with hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, etc ...
Thanks. Yes, I have heard this also. My wife, who is small built, is worried about getting a C-section. Me also, for her. Read More
how much i can earn with raise a pig by giovannigio
i would like to ask expat people if someone know, how much it is possible to earn if i buy a baby pig for 1500, o 2500 php and then raise it , and then sell it when it is 100 kilo? thanks
With piggaries there is a window when you have to sell or slaughter. Ortherwise they will eat your profits, literally. With the window your business is then subject to market variables, which sometimes includes knowing that the stock is owned by a ... Read More
how much i can earn with raise a pig by giovannigio
i would like to ask expat people if someone know, how much it is possible to earn if i buy a baby pig for 1500, o 2500 php and then raise it , and then sell it when it is 100 kilo? thanks
No, they do not all speak English. And some have just learned to fake it, smile in your face, give you wrong info, say yes boss and keep going. I'm not hatin' just being honest. Read More
Child birth in the Philippines by ElGatoNegron
My wife and I are living in Davao City. We are expecting twins in May. I'm looking for prices/costs principally. What will child birth/deluvery cost us, Though certainly any experiences you have with hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, etc ...
Thanks very much for the info and well wishes. Wayne Read More
Are foreigners allowed to establish a business in the Philippines by shalinit
Hi, Needed to know if foreigners are allowed to establish any kind of business in the Philippines. If so, what are the possible avenues?
Anyone know a trustworthy and reliable (knowledgeable) attorney in Davao City. I am thinking of establishing a business here. Thanks in advance Wayne Read More
Child birth in the Philippines
My wife and I are living in Davao City. We are expecting twins in May. I'm looking for prices/costs principally. What will child birth/deluvery cost us, Though certainly any experiences you have with hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, etc ... Read More