thewoodenpotter
Australian looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
68
Contacts
1
About me
Australian
Lives in Cebu City, Central Visayas
Speaks english
Registration: 04 February 2019
Retiring to the Philippines by Sdmiller57
What are your top 5 tips for retiring to the Philippines?
you are probably right most of the time but in my case i grew "paranoid" slowly over the past 5 years here, and unfortunately the more i learn about the "culture" the more i feel my distrust is well earned. and if i knew the ... Read More
Retiring to the Philippines by Sdmiller57
What are your top 5 tips for retiring to the Philippines?
Buddy I feel for you I have been married for 40 years to a Filipina 8 grand kids, we own land in the Phils and I have some very good friends both in the Phils and back in Australia. Its been a great life for both of us. We involve ourselves in the ... Read More
Shrinking Dollar by Enzyte Bob
Today transferring money from my Dollar account in the States to Peso account in the Fil the rate is 48.65. Maybe it's time to move Peso in Fil to Dollar in the states.
Yup thats pretty much it, some days its up other its down, you cant really do much especially if your living there, you have to eat etc so it is what it is. Read More
Retiring to the Philippines by Sdmiller57
What are your top 5 tips for retiring to the Philippines?
Yes you will have all your money and very few friends if any, your women may well leave . What then back to square one? You cant own land that will have to be in your wife's name so that will stretch your trust some to say the least. I would ... Read More
Cost of Living in the Philippines in 2020 by Loïc
Hi everyone, Every year, we invite expats who are living in the Philippines to share their experience and tell us more about the average price of products and services in their town, city or area, so that we can help future expats planning to ...
This kind of reminds of the saying "how long is a piece of string" Much depends on how you want to live and where. If you insist on living a western life style to max then you will pay to the max. My advise find how you want to live and ... Read More
Driving in the Philippines and traffic accidents. by GuestPoster285
I have noticed that despite the fact that traffic in the Philippines can be heavy as anywhere in the US there seems to be fewer accidents. I understand that what I think I am seeing may not be accurate so to increase the data I want to ask you if ...
Driving in the Phils I dont, for the reason any incident my white face is a liability. But I have lived and driven in may countries in Europe and Asia. One thing I have found that works wherever I go. Is this you have to learn to drive like a local, ... 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 ...
I will add to my original reply. As to moving etc. Peace and quiet I find this is not elusive but it will depend on where you choose to live. We have a house in Consolacion Cebu in a small subdivision, no noise, very quite, so sleeping in is not a ... Read More
Media culture in the Philippines by Diksha
Hello everyone, Being an expatriate in the Philippines is a golden opportunity to discover another culture and explore new perspectives. Each country has a unique radio and TV heritage and we would like to hear your opinion about it ! 1. What was ...
I dont really bother as life is quite busy as it is and I am not into repeating the life style I left. Read More
Advice Needed: First-time Buying Condo as Rental Investment by bobquinn0801
Hello, I currently am still living in the states but am likely going to retire to the Philippines within the next 2 to 7 years. In the meantime, I am coming to the Philippines once or twice a year for vacation and to learn everything I need to ...
I agree with the others more research the better and travel around on your visits get to know as much as you can. Even rent as suggested for awhile as the first choice may change after a few months. Another thing to consider seeing your of ... Read More
Is it legit to say I'm visiting my girlfriend here to immigration? by Jhane2193
I will go in the Philippiness for meeting my gf for my 1st time, my ticket is already booked, having also the returning e-ticket to my living country, but i have a big concern and i whould like to ask.. First of all im short in money (less than ...
If your concerned about hotels etc. Then stay in a Pension they are much lower cost and it will also convey the message that your careful with your money. But as for safety there some basic conditions that most Filipinos adhere in that looking ... Read More
Climate change experts would not invest beachfront property. by Lat61
Are any Expats here concerned about future inheritance due to higher sea levels, an increased level of typhoons and flooding ? Climate experts warn that the Philippines will be more affected than most countries.
Well where I live in the harbour there is a island it's pretty much right in the middle and for the last 150 years there has been no appreciable increase of the tide height. Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hi Mickey, Power is what it is in the Phils but things are improving and the digital age is here. In Cebu there are atleast separate companies supplying fibre to the house. In fact the house we recently renovated has two running past with claimed ... Read More
how much can be to build a house? by giovannigio
how much can be cost build a house, mixed with cement and wood, for example floor made in wood. 2 floor , 40 squarmeter
I/We bought an existing house small single story on 100sqm. Then did a knock down rebuild took about 12 months after knock down. The new house is two storey and so much larger, it would considered a large house in the area its built in and much ... Read More
Finding a Base +++.......can you give some advise!? by Guest6789
Dear expat community, I will arrive in Cebu second week in october ..thats the plan. I will stay in a hotel a few days.....to see Cebu... Moving towardes Dumaguete where i like to find a base..from where i can get to know the visayas and negros. ...
Tom I guess its like most cities you have to find the places you like and the smaller the place the less choice you have. I have developed a taste for the local food and have my favourites, one of them being street food. But if want really good ... 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 ...
Dont really have a link as such find me on FB under same name as here on messenger 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 ...
You can find me under thewoodenpotter. The house now virtually complete largely cosmetic touches Read More
Finding a Base +++.......can you give some advise!? by Guest6789
Dear expat community, I will arrive in Cebu second week in october ..thats the plan. I will stay in a hotel a few days.....to see Cebu... Moving towardes Dumaguete where i like to find a base..from where i can get to know the visayas and negros. ...
Tom, Much depends on what you want and how plan to live. If you live in the provinces its handy to have a major centre not too far away. As provincial life has it draw backs, namely lack of facilities. No matter where you live you will need to ... Read More
Retiring to the Philippines by Sdmiller57
What are your top 5 tips for retiring to the Philippines?
Hmm Lotta advice here so might throw my 2cents in. I first to the Phils in 1979 for a couple of weeks and stayed a couple of months and have routinely been back many many times. I/we own a couple of properties in the Visayas. But it boils down to ... Read More
house rental deal??? by Wellsfry
Hello... Dean from Washington State... currently on my 4th and longest trip to see my girlfriend here in Dasmariñas, Cavite. I have fallen in love with the family culture here. The rest is a choice... bathrooms, facilities, food, services... ...
I would think so most things are negotiable. But of course you and I will pay more :) . Get a rental agreement if possible so you know where you stand. I have a sister in law in Habay Bacoor not far from SM. So I'm not totally unfamiliar with ... Read More
house rental deal??? by Wellsfry
Hello... Dean from Washington State... currently on my 4th and longest trip to see my girlfriend here in Dasmariñas, Cavite. I have fallen in love with the family culture here. The rest is a choice... bathrooms, facilities, food, services... ...
Just keep looking for your own place forget deal. If they cant find 300k now what's gonna change in 2 years? Besides the house may not be anything you like and your then stuck with it. Read More
What’s involved in Importing building materials to Cebu by MovinToCebu
What is involved in shipping building materials (such as impact resistant windows) to Cebu to be installed in a home I’m going to have built? What is the customs cost and how hard is it to do? Thanks
I looked at this and seemed very expensive. That is if you cant fill a container the volume charges are excessive. But if I could fill a container the cost was the same as sending by ship a large dining table and chairs along with a contemporary ... Read More
Moving to Cebu City
Yup many very small under 30sqm no kitchen basically studios. Read More
Moving to Cebu city in beginning of 2020 by MattiAce
Hi all I'm Matti! Just want to say hi as I'm planning on moving to Cebu to stay there for one year. I will be moving there with a friend who I will share an apartment with, still looking and I really, really need to live in a place that has ...
OK there are atleast two companies that have fibre to the house. I have two fibre cables running past the house we own in the suburbs. So I think its just a matter of research to get the connection you want here you want to live. Read More
Urologist and Oncologist by Cebugal
Can anyone recommend of a good urologist and oncologist in Cebu? By good means that he/she has high success rate (about 90%) of treating patients.
I echo that check out Chong Hua as its rated by world standards as being very good. Also around the hospital are a heap of specialists. Read More
What’s involved in Importing building materials to Cebu by MovinToCebu
What is involved in shipping building materials (such as impact resistant windows) to Cebu to be installed in a home I’m going to have built? What is the customs cost and how hard is it to do? Thanks
Yes if your materials are too far from the norm of what the locals use you may have some problems. Still the question is, why impact glass windows? sounds like a lot of expense for safety? Read More
the housing rental market in Cebu by thewoodenpotter
I wonder how many of us live or have some a connection to Cebu re renting a house. I see fair amount of expats around but dont really have a handle on the rental market. The current boom has been going on in Cebu for several years and there a lot of ...
Thanks for the info it is what I expected, . I have a large house in Consolacion and have been thinking of what I could rent it for. Its probaly too far off the beaten track for airbnb. Spent a few weeks there looking around and will probably have a ... Read More
Socializing by Sporto
I’m a light drinker so bar life is little. How else do people get together in Cebu? Iwill join a gym
OH well then you have a large ready made social circle thats very easy to get involved with and an environment that they feel safe in so meeting and chatting etc wont be hard. Read More
Cebu has gotten worse. by Nielsen Flute
Contemplating a short vacation to Cebu after summer perhaps and I think it's gotten worse. I'm browsing the dating sites and apps and it's just hookers or ladyboys peppered with ugly single moms or province girls. Not only that but ...
Hmm interesting I have just spent a couple of weeks in Cebu. OK its changed a lot by that I mean the traffic and with Cebu Pacific Airline up and running there are far more tourists. But to some extent you get what you give, first impression are ... Read More
the housing rental market in Cebu
I wonder how many of us live or have some a connection to Cebu re renting a house. I see fair amount of expats around but dont really have a handle on the rental market. The current boom has been going on in Cebu for several years and there a lot of ... Read More
Bringing silver coins to the Philippines. by eduardo001
Hello guys. Next month my mom will move to the Philippines and she will bring around $5000 worth silver bullion coins with her. I found very limited information about it in google, so if some of you have experience with it, please share with ...
well the bottom line is the wealthy who might buy bullion are into gold not silver 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 ...
Like a lot of things in the Phils. Its not what you know but who you know. We have just finished a house in Cebu and are going the motions of furnishing it. It was done remotely from outside the country with a few visits from us. The house ... Read More
English Tutor
Well you wont be teaching any Philos English and most of the other foreigners who might be interested stay only a short time,so I dont like your prospects. Read More
Cebu has gotten worse. by Nielsen Flute
Contemplating a short vacation to Cebu after summer perhaps and I think it's gotten worse. I'm browsing the dating sites and apps and it's just hookers or ladyboys peppered with ugly single moms or province girls. Not only that but ...
I agree with pnwcyclist. Although I do not live in the Phils I have been there countless times and alway enjoy my time there. But if you want 'a quick leg over' then its hookers plain and simple. But if interested in a longer relationship ... Read More
2 Many Fish In The Sea by Cherryann01
Hello guys and girls, I notice on a lot of the topics posted on this website about problems with relationships, people suggest to have more than one girl o the go so you always have some options. My problem is that I have done this and am ...
thats true but the guy is dealing with a Vietnamese lady. But any tonal language would be a challenge. Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
To some extent its Caveat emptor you need to be able to discern quality products when you see them and not be driven by price. Many Philos price is very important and Ormoc is a reasonably sized town/city which should enable you to get good quality ... Read More
So many new marriages and so many divoces ?? Why by moreto62
How many % of the marriages with filipina fall apart in your opinion ? Seems like so many man are getting married to filipina girlfriend and i see many man who divorced all ready and post videos on you-tube with warnings. Is it all about money or ...
been married 30+ years and its all fine Read More
English Speaking Doctor
Th education system only uses English. There maybe some slight issues with your accent . But the standard of English is good they struggle with some accents. Read More
Running a business as an expat
Holly, Something you need to know, unless your a Philo citizen or married to a Philo you can't really run a business or own land etc Even a Philo with dual citizen has do some paper work as the Balikbayan is allowed up to 1000sm of urban land ... Read More
So many new marriages and so many divoces ?? Why by moreto62
How many % of the marriages with filipina fall apart in your opinion ? Seems like so many man are getting married to filipina girlfriend and i see many man who divorced all ready and post videos on you-tube with warnings. Is it all about money or ...
Hmm the circles I move in the Philippines are somewhat different to what you describe. I find the well adjusted and educated single Filipina has serious aspirations to marry a 'good man' and have a family. But as many Filipinas might have a ... Read More
Extended families in the Philippines by Peter Clark
When you marry a Filipino you marry the family they say and for much of the time it is true. Family members will at times be overseas workers and generate money for the family in the Philippines. A foreigner in the family will be expected to help ...
The moral of the story in finding a Filipino partner is: YOU CANNOT HAVE EVERYTHING. Foreigners who come to the Philippines to meet or seek a Filipino woman are mostly older men. And they prefer Filipino women who are much younger than they are. ... 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 ...
Theres more than one way to skin a cat. Some have built and signed an agreement of lease for 30 years over the owner.Others have left a significant amount owing [ by Philo standards , but easy for foreigners ] as away of discouraging the greedy. Or ... Read More
2 Many Fish In The Sea by Cherryann01
Hello guys and girls, I notice on a lot of the topics posted on this website about problems with relationships, people suggest to have more than one girl o the go so you always have some options. My problem is that I have done this and am ...
Vietnamese would be paramount then, it is one of the more difficult ones to learn. https://www.quora.com/How-long-does-it-take-to-learn-Vietnamese-fluently Read More
2 Many Fish In The Sea by Cherryann01
Hello guys and girls, I notice on a lot of the topics posted on this website about problems with relationships, people suggest to have more than one girl o the go so you always have some options. My problem is that I have done this and am ...
Vietnamese is tonal and most westerners have some difficulty and the Govt isnt alway appreciative of foreigners. Go where you can be understood believe it will be a huge difference when thing need sorting out. Plus the culture in the Philippines is ... Read More
How to Deal with Filipino City Air Pollution by moonunit0103
Hi, In the 8 weeks I have been here in the Philippines, I have been shocked at the level of air pollution, especially in the cities. Manila and Cebu are especially bad, but Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Ormoc, and Tacloban are dirty also, causing me to ...
The trouble with looking for a clean spot you may find its way out side your ladies family area which wont be appealing to her especially if not her language group. But there are places that relatively clean, they wont however be in a major city. I ... Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
The bottom line is all foreigners are deemed wealthy and if she has not been overseas that would be her thinking as well. But by the sound of it she is in love with you so its only a matter of education on whats expected and how things work. ... Read More
How to find good house helpers in The Philippines by supernenita3d
Hi, Maybe many of you have find a way to hire good and trusty people and if so please share the secret... We decided that after 2 years of living here it was time to hire someone who can help us around the house but so far it has been a little ...
Hmm I dont envy you. For us its quite easy as my wife is a Filipina and so we use family members who are not so well off offer board and lodging in return for work around the house and we have been known to help out with the school fees. This method ... 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 ...
Sounds like your on top of it. I prefer the Cebu or Visayas as my wife is from Leyte . One thing fr sure if your prepared to move away some from majo centre you will find a bargain. I am fairly familiar with Cavite as my sister in law lives there ... Read More
pre-nup agreement by Andy777
Hi! Does anyone have experience of pre-nups when marrying a filipina. Advice, suggestions, names of decent lawyers in this field? Thanks Andrew
Well you must realize theres a certain amount of flexibility with the rule of law in the Phils and often any agreement is only worth the paper its written on. So with that in mind leave your investments/money etc overseas and draw a income from ... 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 ...
Your question is rather broad. If you consider Cavite and Cebu for instance land costs maybe the biggest component . House construction depends on the quality of your builder and if your not living in the area where you intend to build. Then quality ... Read More
Import fees
Pretty straightforward goods worth less than 200USD No duty over $200USD 12% duty. It would on the purchase price not any other valuation dont get conned into believing anything else 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 ...
By the look of it many have arrived in the Phils expecting something quite different to what it is.My only advice is 'when in Rome' the Phils will not change for you are the outsider. There good people there but have learn how to recognise ... Read More
BACK TO THE BASICS : A WEBSITE FOR EXPATS, BY EXPATS by Julien
Hi, Expat.com defines itself as "The living abroad website, by expats, for expats" We received too many complains these last days about locals systematically hijacking treads, posting ads (when they should be posted in dedicated ...
https://www.expat.com/contacts.php Looks like I found or perhaps she found me a scammer or sorts, :) cheers Neil 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 ...
I dont actually live there . But we frequent it nearly every year and the main reason is our grandkids my wife wont be parted from them for too long. :) But we run some real estate there and will getting into importing items to the Phils this ... Read More
I've overdosed on bad news !!!!! by JB pal
Hi, Like here in the United States we mostly hear about bad news and every so often a feel good story. I'm single married once and planning on spending 4 to 6 months in your country to possibly live there. Not a big city guy and just started ...
Well as stated about brains and pants etc is good advice. If your really concerned about failing to find a good woman on your own. Then get to know a few guys [ probably start with expats ] on the ground in whatever part your looking to settle in ... Read More
Insight on relationship by taiko1989
Hi, guys. I'm portuguese, 29, and I have been in a relationship with a gorgeous filipina woman (33) since May last year. She works as a financial advisor at a reputable ensurance company operating in the Philippines (won't divulge it here ...
Well from my perspective. If the Filipina fancys you they tend to me heaven and earth to make sure they are there to meet you. If your still keen ring her company and ask to speak to here. The receptionist will recognise that your a foreigner and so ... Read More
Jobs for Indians in Philippines (Manila) by masterappu
Hi. I am an Indian who have completed Masters degree in Electronics and Communication (Signal Processing and Embedded Systems). I have also completed my UG in Electrical and Electronics. Currently I am working in an IT firm. I would like to know ...
Well its fairly simple they see the Philippines as a better place to live than India. Read More
Public Urination by mugtech
My first morning back, 10/25/18, I was taking my morning walk at the barangay basketball court when I saw a guy urinating on the side of an official barangay building. I don't think he was making a political statement. On the following ...
If your a foreigner dont, it will be expensive if they catch you Read More
BACK TO THE BASICS : A WEBSITE FOR EXPATS, BY EXPATS by Julien
Hi, Expat.com defines itself as "The living abroad website, by expats, for expats" We received too many complains these last days about locals systematically hijacking treads, posting ads (when they should be posted in dedicated ...
Sounds like a plan as I expect the local have the hope of doing business with us rich touristas . Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hi, Thought I better say something about myself I from Australia married to a Filipina for over 30 years visit the Phils often, taking the kids with us and now the kids have kids . So its a sizeable family time. Spend most of our time the Visayas ... Read More
Balikbayan Boxes by GoDees
Hello everyone I am interested in finding out about sending balikbayan boxes to Ph., specifically from Melbourne to Cebu. Has anyone had any experience with these, who to use, who to avoid ? Where do you get the boxes ? Does each company have ...
We often send boxes via LBC at Christmas and before we visit. Its very straight forward 150 per box no weight limit they pick up and its door to door. We normally pick the boxes ourselves from the local Philo store near us. Never had a problem in ... Read More
Officers in Bureau Of Immigration Cebu by dvdcrusher
Hi im a permanent resident in cebu. I am divorced from my filipina wife but for filipo law we are still marriedcause theres no annulment.Soon its time again to pay the annual report. Every year it is the same hassle.I ask where i can pay ...
Lose UK citizenship does not the UK allow dual? The Philippines allows dual now so it shouldnt be a problem. Read More
Inheritance from Abroad with Nasty Filipina wife by Brexit4ever
[b]Hello[/b] Anybody know about inheritance laws here in Philippines? To cut the story short , my wife is a nasty filipina who got most of my lifetime savings then took off with my child to live with a filipino businessman But we are still ...
It sounds like your still planning to stay in the Phils and as stated tell nobody of your new found wealth. The law in the Philippines is not about the rule of law. But rather who you know and how much you can offer....pay :) But certainly if they ... Read More
Wife sending all her money home not contributing expenses by Jonny2840
Hello my name is Jon. I live in Vancouver BC Canada. I recently married a filipina and we are working towards sponsorship for her here to get her pr. Before we got married we both agreed we would share expenses and costs for pr applications and ...
it is an expectation for successful family members to contribute the their siblings and most assuredly a Filipino custom. Read More
Wife sending all her money home not contributing expenses by Jonny2840
Hello my name is Jon. I live in Vancouver BC Canada. I recently married a filipina and we are working towards sponsorship for her here to get her pr. Before we got married we both agreed we would share expenses and costs for pr applications and ...
Ok find out what the immigration situation is so at least you know where you stand. But by the look of it you not got a good one, it happens. Maybe confront her with the reality of her actions and consequences. But do so only after you know all the ... Read More