John
@pnwcyclist
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
1486
Contacts
5
About me
American
Speaks English, a little Spanish
Registration: 27 June 2017
Activity
Cebu/Lapu-Lapu by Wandsworthbob
Hi I'm looking for a bit of advice, tips or any help really. I'm a uk expat who's lived in Thailand for 20 years, I've never visited the Philippines but I'm considering doing a few weeks a couple of times a year. I'll be coming over for April and ...
Your location description is too vague to know for sure but if I guess, maybe you will be staying somewhere in Marigondon. There are plenty of places to eat and socialize near there, but I would nail down the location before committing. Read More
Hi, Health Coverage for Expats in Cebu by uhrigg
Hello, I am new here and have no clue what I am doing but... anyways..I just got here to Cebu and I am wondering about health insurance/coverage.. any input ..Thanks..btw, I am George
Welcome! None of us had a clue when we first got here, lol. You can use travel insurance for short trips (under 90 days) and pay out of pocket for longer trips. Keep your US health insurance. Most doctor's appointments here are really ... Read More
TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES by Enzyte Bob
Recently I saw this Tourism chart, I don't how accurate it is. Remember when the saying was: Don't believe anything you hear and only half what you see, well with IT, Social Media & News Reporting who knows what.Well AnywaysTourism from January ...
Not sure how you get to that conclusion about Covid, Dan - it is losing status as a tourist destination due to all the issues that never get resolved and which have been aired online ad-nauseum - high prices for food and lodging relative to ... Read More
Cebu debut: locations? by It2VN
In March I'm heading to Cebu to see if it could be a place to settle. My idea is to spend a month or two initially in Cebu city or one of its divisions or adjacent cities (Mandaue etc).Staying in a hotel upon arrival then renting an apartment in a ...
Minglanilla has extremely heavy traffic - it can take an hour or two to get to Ayala or IT Park from there, or back, when traffic is heavy, which is most of the time now.We spent 6 or more years in Cebu City living in Busay, which is above the ... Read More
Typhoon Uwan by pnwcyclist
Back to back typhoons.. Cebu got slammed bad by Tino (Kalmaegi) last week. I hope everyone on Luzon is safe and sound this time around. Steve I just looked and it was over La Union, hope all are fine.
Wow Steve, must have been crazy to see the ocean so high. Yikes.. that would be terrifying.. but good to hear no intrusion into the house and all systems up and running. The damage and lives lost here (from the first one) near Cebu is really ... Read More
Typhoon Uwan
Back to back typhoons.. Cebu got slammed bad by Tino (Kalmaegi) last week. I hope everyone on Luzon is safe and sound this time around. Steve I just looked and it was over La Union, hope all are fine. Read More
US Direct File won't happen in 2026, IRS tells states by PalawOne
Perhaps of interest .."Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states"By Natalie Alms November 4, 2025https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2025/11/direct-file-wont-happen-2026-irs-tells-states/409309/The free service that allowed ...
I used to have complicated taxes (multiple properties, a 1031 Exchg, etc) so had a CPA to sort it all out. Cost me a grand a year and hours just to gather up all my receipts and records. Now life is much simpler so a few hours with Turbo Tax and ... Read More
What is the best SUV or pick up for very steep hills in Baguio City? by joey5552000
Asking for your suggestion or recommendation for an SUV or Pick up for very steep hills in Baguio City. Currently I am using an MG HS but not so much power especially in steep hills. Thank you
I agree that Toyotas are virtually indestructible but most will do well if properly maintained, something often lacking here. That said we have had exceptional luck with 3 used (but low mile) vehicles over the past 12 years. Our most recent, a ... Read More
Skytrax 100 2025 by Lotus Eater
The 2025 London based Skytrax 100 airline rankings are now out.No big changes in the top 10. Qatar Airways retains the top spot so be prepared to be pampered Cherryann on your forthcoming flight to Jakarta at least on the 1st leg. Garuda Indonesia ...
Great news for me, Lotus. Really appreciate and will look into it. The van shuttle from Tucson to PHX is only 2 hours so it could work and I have never flown Starlux. I have recently been flying United to SFO then their partner ANA to Narita and on ... Read More
US Cola announced for 2026 by Enzyte Bob
I received an email from Social Security saying the 2026 increase will be 2.8 percent.
I received an email from Social Security saying the 2026 increase will be 2.8 percent. - @Enzyte Bob This increase will be an average of $56 per month for beneficiaries, raising the average monthly benefit to $2,071. The adjustment is based on ... Read More
Wooden ladder by bitmonet
Hallo, I am posting this question on the forum because I no longer have the energy to search the internet for something as simple as where to buy a ladder in Cebu, Philippines, but not necessarily.I am considering buying a ladder in Europe and ...
Ha ha ha funny video, but now I understand... if you can do that you are a step ahead of me (pun intended) . There are a couple of large hardware stores in Cebu City that might have one of those. Read More
Australian Immigration Marches by danfinn
Australia learns what MAGA ...
The problem in America. (I've lived at the epicenter of this in LA for over 30 years.) Is that they stopped enforcing the southern border. And allowed many millions of illegal immigrants into the country. In order to bolster democratic voters. In CA ... Read More
Managing retirement savings in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Saving for retirement as an expat in the Philippines can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in ...
Totally concur with what those fine gentleman said. I keep all investments in US brokerage and bank accounts and make transfers monthly from Wells Fargo into my partner's account at BPI, using WFB Express Send service (direct bank to bank). It has a ... Read More
US-Japan-Australia-Philippines defence pact? by PalawOne
`US-Japan-Australia-Philippines defence pact vs China? Ex-official urges allianceFormer US defence official Ely Ratner says it’s time for the ‘viable and essential’ four-way defence pact. Security experts aren’t so sureBy Sam ...
I agree and unfortunately, I suspect it didn't end well for those fellows. Read More
US-Japan-Australia-Philippines defence pact? by PalawOne
`US-Japan-Australia-Philippines defence pact vs China? Ex-official urges allianceFormer US defence official Ely Ratner says it’s time for the ‘viable and essential’ four-way defence pact. Security experts aren’t so sureBy Sam ...
Speaking of Chinese military capability in the SCS, did anyone catch the recent video of the two Chinese military vessels (a CCG cutter and a PLA navy destroyer) running into each other while pursuing a Philippines Coast Guard cutter? Holy ... Read More