female_expat

I do understand your point. But how do we know that the stuff that we are buying are actually 'genuine' and not 'counterfeit' ? It is very common in Asia that stores selling counterfeits are not prosecuted. I have been to so many stores looking ... Read More

I dont think the forum discusses imported and luxury brands meant literally per se. What were the discussion was, things that are for average people in most advanced countries, are considered 'luxurious' in the Philippines. Hence it is being taxed ... Read More

Something to think about cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/07/12/philippines.americans.abducted/index.html Read More

I dissent with this.. Dubai Construction industry is currently in bad shape. There is no guarantee that one can get a job. Unless someone has a fat wallet and can extend visit visas without the worry of financial trouble then I agree. Two year ... Read More

There are more men then women in UAE. The ratio is 3.5 men to 1 woman On top of that, women are very protective in meeting online strangers to meeting them in person. UAE though liberalized, be reminded that it is still an islamic country and if ... Read More

UAE have standard requirement for accepting teachers to teach in UAE schools private or public. Depending on what subject to teach, one of the requirement is you must have ELS/TESOL certification in an accredited universities. Without that ... Read More

Depends on the husband's income. It used to be Dirhams 4000 but I don't know now. Visit visa you are required to provide return ticket + deposit. Husband's visa - a return ticket is not required. Every visa application in UAE is possible but the ... Read More

My mother is actually from Cebu and have visited the place several times. Having lived in Australia for 10 years, I can understand very well your predicament. Cebu is not better but its not worse. Cebu is just a smaller island but have the same ... Read More

You are right about that. As an American and former UAE resident, I've always wish that if only and only the crime rate in the US will go down. But you know - no country is perfect. uae is a heaven..its more safe than most cities in europe for ... Read More

Yes you can convert your US issued DL to any state in UAE. Ive done that. Read More

I shipped my stuff from DXB to SFO many years ago. It was air france as the courier. When I received my stuff I was bummed. I paid insurance for it and I was denied with my claim, citing that I did not claim within few days of receiving the ... Read More

A California man - few years ago was kidnapped by Abu Sayaff bandits, in Palawan. I forgot his last name, I think it was Sobrero. He was beheaded by the bandits. I also read sometime ago about an American family in Makati was kidnapped for ransom. ... Read More

You should consult an attorney or accountant before opening a business. Karaoke/Bar business is very popular but the issue really is you are not allowed to own the business 100% except if you have a partner who is a Filipino Citizen. Read More

Be wary of surroundings and think carefully before you accept any invitation from strangers, specially if its an enticing invitation. Read More

There is actually no official ranking of Philippine universities. If the question is which Philippine University that is academically recognized ? the answer to your question is only "Univerity of the Philippines' and its branches. If you are ... Read More

I am no expert in Philippine legal affairs but I can advise what you can do next. The process is long, tedious and sometimes very very frustrating. But if you really love your gf, do not give up hope. It is very common in the Philippines that so ... Read More

I dont think that anyone should be subjected to prison time if you fall in love to someone already married. That's like Roman culture in medieval times... And that if you are the father of the lovechild, that your name should not appear on the ... Read More

I saw this documentary of NatGeo...called an "idiot abroad", there was this English guy who was in a relationship with a married Filipina. Later on, the couple was arrested for 'adultery'. The husband sue the cohabiting couple.. It was an ... Read More

Yupe Internations have this capability to post event and easy RSVP Read More

My long time friend in Mindanao has her grandfather kidnapped. They weren't Chinese but the family owned a local bank. Read More

Thank heavens I only walk from my residence to work.... Read More

I just read an internet news few hours ago that a visiting Indian national (with a Filipina wife) was kidnapped few days ago.... I feel sorry for the visitor... We just have to watch out what we do. Read More

This topic is titled 'hangout tonight'? Am I right ? Im afraid that I may have to explain further regarding safety issues. Here's some question to consider when responding to announced hangout in public forum : 1) How many are there have ... Read More

Some answers to the question below > So, can you please list some of the private clinics & public hospitals in California? This depends on the insurance subscribed. Insurances have network of hospitals/clinics and also depends the type of ... Read More

There are so many ways to get health care: 1) through work A lot of employers offer health and dental insurance as part of perks offered to the employees. As for vision and life insurance, not many companies offer such benefits. 2) private ... Read More

No - it is not possible to get SSN but you can open a bank account after few weeks of arriving. SSN is always mailed to your US address. The rule has not changed and its getting stricter by the day. Hey guys, does anyone know if its possible to ... Read More

California is a great state to live, weather, people and outdoors. As for the job though, unemployment is almost 10% and more budget cuts this year. If you are in the tech industry though, you would have no problem finding a job. I will relocate ... Read More

Its indeed a cool website. As for meetup face to face though, I find that hard to do in greater Manila since its a bigger city and society is different compared to cool island of Mauritius. Manila has hierarchy of society, the poor, working class, ... Read More

You can buy electronics and appliances in Philippines cheaper if you are paying cash. I mean literally paying cash or EFTPOS. I bought 42 inch HDTV at a store in Makati fronting Glorietta for Php 14000. The brand though was unfamous Taiwan made but ... Read More

Before blah blah at least you must be informed what I am talking about because it is embarassing if you get corrected.. hahahahhahaha Read More

What I am referring to is a website that lets you RSVP, date, time, location and members profiles and activities all in one website. this bloggers forum is not really the best place to post a meetup. There is another website for that where you ... Read More

You are free to say whatever you want but I can also tell you that you are not that informed of meetup websites. this bloggers forum is not really the best place to post a meetup. There is another website for that where you can create your own ... Read More

Play compu games but just dont get yourself addicted :) If you live in a high rise building, climb the staircase all the way to the top floor. If you are not tired yet then do it 2x. Another alternative is to join sports club so you can play tennis ... Read More

this bloggers forum is not really the best place to post a meetup. There is another website for that where you can create your own site and have members sign up for it..but not free. Read More

Davao and Palawan are the best places to stay in Philippines. Davao though has more flights (Domestic and direct to Singapore), the convenience of a bigger city and if you wanna get away from the chaos, you can go to nearby islands for a 20 minute ... Read More

angelstirera, Of course your boss won't state the obvious.... but you have to read between the lines... Read More

Seriously there are a lot of flaws in the skyscraper engineering in the Philippines. A lot of the structure would not even pass but only the knowledgeable person can spot that problem. When my condo got turned over, immediately my training from the ... Read More

A lot of people forgot that we now live in 'Globalized' world. Filipinos think that we in the US have loads of 'Made in USA' when the truth is we have lots of 'Made in China' and 'Made in Guatemala' etc.. The only good thing is what is discounted ... Read More

Yupe get those Costco pain killers, cold medicines, cough medicines.. I know lots of newcomers, due to the dusts, have been sick in the first few weeks of arrival... But if you are exposed to extreme weather like me...I think you can handle ... Read More

Tushima Bring lots of the follwing: - good spices, - home decorative stuff you can put in a 20 x 20 x 20 box, - shoes, - summer clothes, - over-the-counter medicine, - soaps/shampoos/conditioner, - kitchen stuff (pots, pans, plates, ... Read More

[moderated: keep that kind of comment for you] Read More

Okay lah! I used to live in Singapore and was educated in SG during my elementary years :) Read More

slammer1, Your vacation is guaranteed a pleasant one if you and only if you avoid the capital region as much as you can. Take Philippine Airlines for international trip in order that you would land in the new airport. From there take a connecting ... Read More

That's true FilAmericanMom... Also the state should be separate from the church... but then I see this debate no different in the US pro-life and pro-choice.. Read More

Great choice Sybel.. Palawan is definitely the most beautiful island in the Philippines, just make sure you get a malaria shot because the mosquitoes there are bigger than the average ... I've backpacked the entire Palawan Island for a month. ... Read More

FilAmericanMom That's a good one Read More

Did you not know that those nutty right wingers in PH get their ideas on how to be creative in their debates, from the US midwest media ? Read More

wow $1K a month ? Hmmm...that's below the minimum wage my dear....on top of that US Citizens pay taxes, SS contribution and medicare...... Looking for Male Americans, Fil Americans or anyone who's first language is English who are Philippine ... Read More

Are you sure ? When I was there I saw a few who frequent to Havana.... Its hard to tell really. How can you distinquished a wild child to a class A working girl ? Unless you asked what they do for living and unable to converse straightly to ... Read More

We entered several clubs that night...'Encore' and 'The Prince' - that's in Taguig Fort Bonifacio. It reminds you of going to an LA club and that big shots have entourage and sit in their VVIP... the place is similar.. I forgot the name of 2 other ... Read More

Brazil, Mexico and Italy are catholics majority but has divorce law, reproductive health laws and so on... I'd say blame it on American midwest media that spread fear mongering tactics. Read More

Great to hear your experience. I also read your blog and I laughed at it, as you have confirmed what I was and been whining until now………especially noise control. I would also differ on the use of bucket. My family never has one and would prefer to ... Read More

I was out clubbin with fellow Aussie mix Filipino group (my usual group) last night...I got introduced to a club that is open "for members only". The club was full of posh people you could think of. Be prepared to spend top pesos because I only ... Read More

Its not really an expatriate issue my dear. Read More

I dont think you have a problem. Firstly you have to submit your marriage certificate to the NSO for them to record your marriage. Your visa application would only be approved based on that recorded marriage certificate. You are required to submit ... Read More

You are required a return ticket if you go the tourist visa route. You wont be able to open a bank account and that's very inconvenient if you wish to live in PH longer. Its faster to apply in Australia than apply in PH, and if you are going to ... Read More

That tells me something and evident that majority of the people dont do much adventure :( I've been wanting to climb peaks but heck either you get stupid question or being adviised to do something else ... so I just gave up Read More

hi all,i getting married very soon the the phils,i have all the documents needed except the legal capacity to contract marriage.im told i need this from british embassy.even though i have my proof of non marriage. ive emailed british embassy in ... Read More

I remember where that is the area is called Taguig Read More

I dont know that area Serendra... Im close to Greenbelt, literally walking distance, like 2 minutes walk to Greenbelt :) Read More

Any update on this? I am in Makati at the moment and willing to go out, you can txt me 0949 943 0077 (its a temp sim card). Perverts can get lost so dont even try to think! Read More

To specifically answer your question: should we remarry in the Philippines and since we are the same 2 persons,is it necessary to get an annullment for the first marriage? Your US Attorneys were wrong about advising of going to re-marry. The ... Read More

Hello all, I have a unique problem that I would like advise on. I was married to my wife in April 2010 in IloIlo, upon my return to the U.S.A I learn that my divorce from a previous marriage did not officially finalize until 2 weeks after my ... Read More

I am sorry. I didn't realize our conversation was about child molesters. I was talking about men dating younger women and wondering why some women are offended by it.Sometimes you have to take account what is the most realistic going on around ... Read More

"Ah good that you admit that.....as for women going out with younger men, if guys can do it then women can...the question is who foots the bill ?" No. The question is; Why is it that when old guys date pretty young females in the Philippines, ... Read More

" female_expat - Have you seen the statistics for ALL marriages leading to divorce in the US? There is no official statistics count but there is an overall estimate of above 40%. in a way, i respect those women in the philippines for their ... Read More

every study on the subject i have read says the average american women marries for security and men for looks. that is what is going on with those old guys marrying the younger filipinas. i am totally ok with it. it is my personal observation, as ... Read More

Since I have just moved here, will give my 2 cents on costs. You can buy a new Honda CRV for about p1.4 million ($33k), I dont know how much they cost in the states now.I drive 2011 Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid - you can now buy this for $29K+ and at ... Read More

cutyloopz, I dont know how long you psted your query but a few missing information about yourself. What is your nationality? If you are a Filipino citizen, you can do the following: - check in NSO if your marriage was filed and registered since ... Read More

Hi Steve, Your $$$ stretch further if you live outside of Manila. Accommodation is the one that will take a huge chunk of your budget and therefore if you stay in Manila, to have a condo or house with reasonable space, you are more likely paying ... Read More

For any legal documents to be presented to any Embassies: 1) it must be attested by the DFA as Foreign Embassies dont recognize documents that are not attested and therefore, before you present documents to your Embassy, it must be annotated, ... Read More

It is subjective to say you can live like a King for $5K in PH. You can definitely live comfortably if you live outside of Greater Manila but you dont live like a King. With $5K - you can't even buy a jimmy choo shoes and saks 5th ave clothes on ... Read More

Its quite confusing, from legal capacity to tax forms. Who is in the tax form, ex wife? Are you talking about "legal Capacity" issued by the US embassy? If so, Step 1 You can use the NSO issued annulled marriage (affixing court ordered papers), ... Read More

plumber60 I love everything you stated. I too, stay away from old men whenever I am in PH. Most Filipinos, seeing a lady going around or palling around, old Western guy, bear a negative connotation. And I actually think these old guys dont really ... Read More

dhnindc, A foreigner cannot own land in RP unless through a wife. True and not true, depends on your purpose. For residential purposes, yes you can own a land but there are restriction as to the size Buying a condo, still needs 60% of units to be ... Read More

Its not about the cost of living, its about the Income. Most expat Filipino's and there are a lot here in the UAE can earn significantly more as expats than they can in the Phils and want a better life than they can afford locally. Filipino OCWs ... Read More

There are about 4 or 5 approved developers by most banks..probably dmci is one of them. Ayala is the oldest and biggest corporation Studio can be rented for more than 500 a month in makati. but also note of property tax payable every ... Read More

Can someone define what is living like a king? I know monarchs have a mansion, yacht, rolls Royce, shopping at Saks. Based on my computation, 5k doesn't even afford renting a mansion, or even renting a 3br serviced condo Sorry to blunt but I don't ... Read More