Peter Clark
@Peter Clark
English expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
242
Contacts
2
About me
English
Lives in San Pablo, Calabarzon
Speaks Bit of German, bit of French. lots of sign language
Registration: 23 June 2011
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
@Cherryann01 Close to Laarbruch was a new fish and chip shop probably to cater for the large British Army garrison nearby. .We made rhe trip excited to taste fish.n chips. When my turn came to order i had practised my German vocals.....but the large ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
Bruggen was my posting and Holland was a shopping trip closeby. Love their sausages curryworst and the bokwurst served hot outside on chilly days dipped in mayonaise.Thanks for sharing your Filipina experiences we ae all so different as are the ... Read More
British Scoundrels
5 years ago we had a guy arrive with Filipino wife whi told us he was from Quernsey yet had a strong cockney accent.Everyone liked him, he opened a bar restaurent closeby with music and barbecue steak grill. His wife opened a cafe place at the side ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
@Cherryann01 You go to Angeles for fun and learning how the Filipinos work SM Clark is enormous and lots to browse around.I met a table full of expats having a chinwag and presumed they were English but they were Dutch! I was invuted to join them ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
Yes, her family and friends,, thats where the video action is good for online dating Our friend maried his Filipina in the UK and then retired here, meeting her fanily for the first time and it was a shock!Her parents and family lived in a concrete ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
I watched a Retired American guy get conned by his on line girlfriend who was part of a group of Filipinos catching guys and selling their organs ????Of course us westerners are very trusting and easily fall prey to these devils who can provide ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
Its easy to fall in love when you see a lady, happened to me an Angeles bar with a waitress and i tok her to dinner to get to know her. The feelings were one sided but i saw her on a couple of visits and she went to live with her brother in ... Read More
Quality woman for a quality guy by Slowdown23
My name is Ryan from the United states. I am looking (not rushing) for a traditional woman who I can get to know and spend my life with. I am 37 in good shape, financially secure and have strong interpersonal skills. Able to retire in 13 years when ...
on line dating is wonderful because of video and chatups. There are many available ladies with good backgrounds just waiting for the chance of a new relationship and want the chance to meet with a foreinger. I met a barmaid in Barretto whose ... Read More
Hot Water Shower by Bannor
Hello, everyone! What has been your experience with hot water in the shower? I notice many places do not have this amenity. Have you found it necessary for your quality of life, or something you have happily dispensed with?
The tap water despite slightly warmer than the UK needs warming further for me to use a shower here. One kettle of boiling water added to a bucket of cold easily makes a nice shower using the Filipino "Tabu ". Read More
Buying a House in Baguio Tax to pay ? by dknipes
Hello all , Uk national here . Wife and child both hold PL nationality . If I send money into The Philippines for the purpose of buying a house / land will the incoming remittance be taxed . I understand if I send money to myself it wont be . But of ...
Lived here 15 years and the tax and new title fees were standard rates but this time came a shock because the bir have added " zonal values to rhe equation and the resultant feed double !! Capital Gains remains at 6% of the highest value between ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
I find that many of the expats exist under their partners thumb and that's odd since the very existence exists from the expats purse strings, not always the case but almost. I love my wife dealy and respect her wishes and she would not stop me doing ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
What we all need is a regular meetup with our own "species" and preferably without wives who mess things up. I,ve done it two times and we guys enjoy the chance to chat whilst the lady wives do the same on an adjoining table. Sadly the wives are ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
Yes we are the fortunate ones. Read More
solar panel and well submersible water pump kit by Ricky Hawk
Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a supplier near Dipolog City Mindanao, that can supply solar panel and well submersible water pump kit, or is it better to just order online from another country, I don't need an installer, I'm looking for a local ...
I met the top water board manager in Taung who explained that he had 2 deep Wells and would need our developer to help him dig 2 more to supply water to the new subdivision. Our developer decided better business to buy its own filtration unit and ... Read More
solar panel and well submersible water pump kit by Ricky Hawk
Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a supplier near Dipolog City Mindanao, that can supply solar panel and well submersible water pump kit, or is it better to just order online from another country, I don't need an installer, I'm looking for a local ...
@Ricky HawkMy experiences with Wells may be interesting. San Pablo Laguna. Excellent water quality 2 pipes down 30feet?Up the road in Quezon 2 pipes down gave us water that tasted of iron. Someone said, the deeper you go the better the water.Pulled ... Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
Some years ago the home builders club was more popular and there were some fun happeneings like a family who built a "Folding dinghy" and managed to squeeze it into their van and bring it to Taal lake. Sail was made from taupaulin and the family ... Read More
Sailing in the Philippines by Aeta Tribe
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines need to promote sail-cargo trade to make the country a more romantic and exotic destination for adventurers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0nz6pEhn80
Philippine Home Builders Yatch Club - PHYBYC is a web site on Facebook where people get info and help with building boats from marine play. Michael Storer is a boat designer and has a website on Fb STORER BOAT PLANS . He lives in Batangas and ... Read More
Which Visa ??? by Dave & Ruby
Hey Fellow Expats, just trying to get all my ducks in a row so to speak, should I be applying for a 13a visa or a special resident visa for when my wife and I move permanently to the Philippines ??? Thank you
@Dave & Ruby If your Filipina wife has a foreighn passport then she can enter the Philippines as the main visa holder with you as the spouse. (Returning Filipina) The cost is very cheap with PRA. Buy property as a Filipna "martied to .......? ... Read More
Shopee or Lazada? by Enzyte Bob
With the lock down and both my Wife & I are seniors, so we have not been out of the house since mid March. I'm doing a lot more shopping online especially Shopee & Lazada. Just my recent experience over the last week. I ordered 5 ...
@Enzyte Bob I also used Shopee until a couple of items needed a refund and for that you have to download their program to have a "Wallet" which will accept the refund from the merchant. Seems ok until you go to download their program and they insist ... Read More
Possible cities/towns to move into the Philippines
We are British and live in San Pablo Laguna but often visit Lipa and also travel up to Subic (Barretto) for the Expats. The large shopping malls and schools in Lipa are very nice and we do enjoy visiting. We have a new fast road there from San ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
We have TESCOs products here in SM and I enjoy them very much, specially the biscuits yummy. Allow me to have a moan about the cultural differences. My wife has lived with me for 25 years and 10 of those are in the Philippines. At meal times she ... Read More
How to make friends in the Philippines by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in the Philippines :top: [b]Which are your ...
Many of the expats do not use the Facebook and if you want to make friends you have to physically smile or nod and introduce yourself. Difficult at first but the more you do it the easier it becomes. My first contact was a chap pushing trolley from ... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
What ever an expat does here in the Philippines will depend on the choice of partner he makes. Do not rush into relationships. Read More
House roof space by Guest4567
Will silver foil in Philippines house loft keep you cooler
The "overhang" is almost always 60cm on architect designed homes, primarily to allow most accommodation within the building regs of the subdivision on perimeters. The typhoon rains I've experienced here will throw themselves at the ... Read More
House roof space by Guest4567
Will silver foil in Philippines house loft keep you cooler
Our house was designed round the idea of cool air being drawn up into the roof space and vented. BUT because the rear of the house faces North, the winds enter the roof that way and blow hot air downwards into the bedrooms...drying the laundry on ... Read More
House roof space by Guest4567
Will silver foil in Philippines house loft keep you cooler
With the rolls of white foil backed insulation material in Ace hardware, they go to great lenghts to explain the installation method and that is the suspend the material along wires close to the metal roof surface with foil side upwards. This allows ... Read More
SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question! by tpiro
This is probably an old question but I couldn't find much on it. SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question. Wondering how many out there in Philippine land is still on a tourist visa and how long have you been there?.. From what I have ...
Tourist visa......try the life before you commit yourself. Don.t. urn your bridges YEt.!!! Read More
House roof space by Guest4567
Will silver foil in Philippines house loft keep you cooler
Architecs here install foil insulation under the metal roof to keep the attic cool not realising that in so doing, the metal becomes hotter than design causing further expansion. The paint will crack aowing water ingress that will rust and shorten ... Read More
How to make friends in the Philippines by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in the Philippines :top: [b]Which are your ...
I met an English guy in a bar up in Tagaytay where he had a large bar area and barbecue set up. This chap was a retired English teacher and had a schooner moored in Scotland. We got on very well and met at other times for chats at our house in ... Read More
Post your experience with scams being run against expats and others by GuestPoster285
This is a very important topic for expats, as we are often a prized target for scammers. Post your experience with scams out there in your everyday life and in the course of doing your personal business here in the Philippines. Also post any scams ...
Just recently was mailed by an expat guy calling himself David Philip and wanted to buy my car advertised in this forum here for sale. He appeared genuine and we exchanged mails about car condition and payment by PayPal. I opened an account for ... Read More
Shopee or Lazada? by Enzyte Bob
With the lock down and both my Wife & I are seniors, so we have not been out of the house since mid March. I'm doing a lot more shopping online especially Shopee & Lazada. Just my recent experience over the last week. I ordered 5 ...
I ordered a Blood sugar tester from Lazarda and it arrived promptly but there were no English instructions! Not much money and it looked good quality, albeit without the advertised testing strips. I asked for return and was refused...imagine, no ... Read More
How to make friends in the Philippines by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in the Philippines :top: [b]Which are your ...
I think it would be a mistake to live in Thailand simply because their culture is so very different to ours. The Philippines has had European and American affectations for many years and English is widely spoken. Meetings in Bars surely is not the ... 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 ...
A good idea and with experience your offer is good. Maybe a happy picture might assure a potential customer, suggest a cheap place to stay as well before things get started? I do find that there are some expats who do not like to be advised, why ... Read More
Death Duties and Taxes by Peter Clark
A morbid subject I know, but these things come along and it looks like I will NOT be the one to go next in our family. My Filipina wife is in a bad way. What do I do to prepare us for the worst? My old scout motto "BE PREPARED". Very ...
Thanks chaps, so it depends on the family that are living with us or nearby how they treat me, whether they move me on or continue to live with me. I am the bread winner of the direct family here including my 5 dogs and Milas single bro and sis are ... Read More
Death Duties and Taxes by Peter Clark
A morbid subject I know, but these things come along and it looks like I will NOT be the one to go next in our family. My Filipina wife is in a bad way. What do I do to prepare us for the worst? My old scout motto "BE PREPARED". Very ...
I've heard that if we both leave a Will and make us each beneficiaries in case of the partners demise, then that will take precedence over ordinary Philippine law, ie the land and property can be left for me if my wife directs that in her will. ... Read More
Death Duties and Taxes
A morbid subject I know, but these things come along and it looks like I will NOT be the one to go next in our family. My Filipina wife is in a bad way. What do I do to prepare us for the worst? My old scout motto "BE PREPARED". Very ... 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 ...
We meet the expat and make our judgements but then along comes the expended family and everything changes. At least if you lease some land and build a cheap place for yourself it gives you the option of "Walking away" I watched a new ... 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 ...
It nice to give away small plots to others specially expats but what I've experienced is that there are different types of expats and you could lumber yourself with a couple that you fall out with and then have to endure on your land or as ... 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 ...
Building a house on ordinary land that is not residential has limits in size.....something like 20% Maximum. Landco the developer did this at "Leisure Farms" up from Lemery towards Tagaytay. All their lots were around 1000 sq mts and we ... 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 ...
We have the experience to pass on to expats coming here and that's great. I have seen expats build homes on subdivisions without research on the local area or knowledge of expertise of builders and know that at the end I'll be tempted to ... 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 ...
All good stuff Manwonder but we must not judge all the Philippines by our own observation. Tap water in San Pablo is safe to drink as is the well water. Even outside the city the well water is heavily tainted with the iron but the locals drink it ... 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 ...
Prices vary according to where the subdivision is located, upmarket ones may be over 10 thousand per sq mt. lots on corners are dearer...cannot understand the reason maybe because you have 2 sides of the road to look at. However consider the ... 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 ...
A small bungalow of 80 sq mts interior space will cost 1.8 mil pesos. A large house of double that would cost 4 mil pesos. Land prices depend on the area and if a subdivision. 6 to 9 pesos a sq mt. The price to build a bungalow will be the same as ... Read More
Asia Today: Philippines allows foreign travel to resume by solojoe
I found this piece of information today. https://www.yahoo.com/news/asia-today-philippines-allowing-foreign-061829575.html
Some visitors from the US having tested positive at the airport ...which we doubt...are paying 8ooo pesos per day in quarantine . Other friends from Australia were allowed in because their country does have a low rate of covic 90 cases. Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
No form on the website you show and nothing on the SRRV site to complete an update. Members 10 years. What next? Read More
Retire to the Philippines?????????? by Nobalut4me
We are a white male and Filipina that have been married for 30 years and have lived in the US nearly all of that time. We are nearing retirement and are SERIOUSLY considering retiring to the Philippines. Iloilo City (her home town), General Luna and ...
The early stages of retirement in the Philippines is exiting and rewarding but after a few years the expat needs some of his own nationals for conversation and company. The wife will ... Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
We had a French Baker shop in the SM at Dasmarinas and they did a great breakfast on a tray with ground coffee and small chocolate in a paper cup, just like a club class presentation. Sadly they have gone and left us with a noodle place. There are ... Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
We are quite happy with the Gardenia "high fibre whole wheat bread' that we buy in SM. Gardenia also do a high Fibre wheat Raisin loaf that goes well toasted during the afternoons. When we first discovered a "Bread Shop" in SM ... Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
After eating all the insides of your soft boiled egg, it is turned upside down and a spoon is used to smash the centre down to the bottom of the egg cup. This is to prevent the Elves in your garden making homes from them! :) Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
Eggs here are considered uncooked unless hard boiled and the Choukin breakfasts all have rubber eggs on their rice. I get funny looks fro my sis in law when I poke my toast soldiers into the soft centre ;) Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
Over the years I've been disappointed with the sugar content in the sausages and bacon but with the regular stuff the compromise is not too bad. There are people who make their own bangers in Angeles and they are quite good. Its the same problem ... Read More
Philippine Postal System by Enzyte Bob
Today, Sept 4, 2020 I received two premium notices from United of Omaha, one post marked March 19 and the other July 10. I'm sure Covid had something to do with this late delivery. Now United of Omaha mails out the notices a month before the ...
Make it a point of getting friendly with your post office guy on the delivery. At Christmas seek him out and give him a 300 pesos present. This works fine. Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
I do miss the smoked Halibut and kippered fillet both in easy cook "boil in the bag". Years ago think it was Chou king where we could have a "breakfast smoked milkfish" with rice and egg, that was delicious but not available ... Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
I watch these Filipinos down spoonfuls of rice and cannot copy after 15 years here. Love garlic rice but need to add something to ordinary rice to enjoy it. Meals like "Singapore Fried rice" is easy to make. Its worth getting used to ... Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
Rolled oats are our daily pre-brekky watching the news and don't go to the trouble of boiling them up, just soak them up at night time and leave in the microwave. Add more water and milk powder in the morning plus banana. We have boiled eggs and ... Read More
Best cities to rent a house in Cavite or Laguna? by SebastienC11
Hi everyone, I’m about to move to Luzon. I’ve wondering which province to choose for renting a house. I’d like a quiet place as I work at home. As Metro Manila is too crowded and expensive, I’ve been thinking settling in ...
Cavite doesn't have a good reputation for crime. Laguna seems ok. We live in San Pablo but enjoy a short trip to Lipa for the shops. Calamba looks good to. Best you spend a day at each place and see how you feel. We prefer somewhere that has a ... Read More
Medication in the Philippines by Loïc
Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like the ...
12 years in the Philippines and I suddenly began losing weight, normally 10 stone reduced to almost 8. No appetite, except Mcdos apple pies. Lethargic, no interest in anything...couldn't care about anything. Persuaded to visit s friendly GP and ... Read More
Adopting a pet in the Philippines by Loïc
Hello, Are you a dog or a cat person? A pet can add life to a home and make an ideal travel companion during your expatriation in the Philippines. However, formalities or regulations might put you off traveling with your pet making adoption a ...
To see nice dogs in the Philippines the best place to go are the dog shows that usually accompany large city Fiestas. We admired a wonderful Rottweiler in San Pablo and I couldn't stop stroking it, soft temperament and beautiful stature. The ... 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 ...
The sun is so powerful here in the Philippines and only small windows are necessary to light up a room. I find that the style of houses here have tiny windows in kitchens and bathrooms allowing more space to put cabinets or racking. HOWEVER I've ... 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 ...
To potential house builders who rely on family to have their homes built from overseas BE CAREFUL. When the house is finished there is no sign of poor quality building work, no sign of undersized rebar in the concrete, no sign of weak concrete mix ... 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 ...
A foreigner cannot own land unless it is bequeathed to him or her...and then they must sell to a Filipino. It is quite acceptable to lease a piece of land from the owner for say 20 years and then build your home on it or a rest-house. Baring in ... Read More
UK Tourist Visa for my Flipina Girlfriend. by bwfc122
Hi There, I am hoping that some of you could help me with her visa application, bottom line, is this possible without her having a bank account? Will my sponsorship be enough? I want my girlfriend Kath to come to the UK to visit me and meet my ...
Jack hi from San Pablo, my son used to work in immigration UK and he would be with the local Police rounding up the "Illegals" that overstay their visas in order to work and sent money to the Philippines. The problems they cause the ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
Since leaving the first expat group I started we found some more UK guys and 1 Swedish chap with Filipino wife. All was well for a couple of months then the wives began making personal remarks and criticisms that created upset in my wife's mind. ... Read More
Is there anywhere in this entire country that offers peace and quiet? by GuestPoster2704
[Preface: Sorry guys if this post belongs in another section, but it isn't just about moving or housing, it is about seeking shared experiences and finding solutions to this issue, while asking anyone who may know the answer to the main question ...
We have lived in San Pablo for over 10 years and enjoy the position. 2 years ago we began building a small bungalow on a subdivision called Hacienda Escudero named after the famous landowner nearby. The bungalow we named as "Bluebell ... Read More
Help for a silly old sod by Keith89
Some years ago I.was talking to an Australian cab driver who knew a couple of Aussies who owned a hotel in Angeles City. He reckoned that their hotel would be a great place to stay while I checked out what was what. My problem is that I can't ...
I was there last week and stayed at the Swiss chalet, it was fine and the restaurent gave good meals. Breakfast Swiss style was also great, real bread and sausages with brown wholemeal bread. The Orchid Inn is also close and the rooms are good. ... Read More
Good Reading Books by Peter Clark
Not many book readers in the Philippines myself included, mostly it was Haynes car manuals, Hank Jansons, technical mags and Dennis Wheatley, but spending hours in Airports waiting for your flight got me curious about books and spending my ...
Thanks for your replies guys, most times when we visited the SM at Dasmarinas I'd be on the floor outside the front of the shop on the basement floor with the books from the shelves all round me. Best not to tell the assistants that you are ... Read More
Good Reading Books
Not many book readers in the Philippines myself included, mostly it was Haynes car manuals, Hank Jansons, technical mags and Dennis Wheatley, but spending hours in Airports waiting for your flight got me curious about books and spending my ... Read More
Is there anywhere in this entire country that offers peace and quiet? by GuestPoster2704
[Preface: Sorry guys if this post belongs in another section, but it isn't just about moving or housing, it is about seeking shared experiences and finding solutions to this issue, while asking anyone who may know the answer to the main question ...
We lived in our new house at Leisure Farms near Lemery and it was tooo quiet. Bored after a couple of years and moved to Milas home town of San Pablo where we found a tatty large bungalow that we knocked down and revamped. 200 yds to SM and ... Read More
Would like to rent in Silang or Tagaytay by GuestPoster2704
Does anyone know of a house for rent in the Silang or Tagaytay areas? I am willing to pay a little more for a quiet place with reliable internet and electricity. I would never buy a house here, so please do not ask.
We found Tagaytay very cool in winter and traffic clogged during the summer weekends. There is no center place there to wander round only shopping malls and you spend money for a sit down in a cafe or something. Silang is more interesting and ... 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 have to expect about 22K to 25K php per sq mt meter floor size for a package deal cost of the house or bungalow. One floor or 2 floors will cost the same. (surprisingly). Dark tinted windows with insect screens will darken your room ... Read More
Keeping fit in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Keeping fit during your time in the Philippines is of utmost importance. How about sharing with us and your fellow expats how you keep healthy in your host country? What are your daily health hacks in the Philippines? Do you ...
Hi chaps, Just thought I'd pass on that my aching ankles have recovered back to normal after wearing socks and spongy soles to my shoes. Keep the socks on in bed to prevent the chilly draughts affecting the circulation if the quilt slips off ... Read More
Keeping fit in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Keeping fit during your time in the Philippines is of utmost importance. How about sharing with us and your fellow expats how you keep healthy in your host country? What are your daily health hacks in the Philippines? Do you ...
Lived here since 2006 and lead an active life, not sitting down much and doing nothing bores me. Over the last couple of months my ankles have given me pain and cause me to stumble, like what happens when your ankles "have gone to ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
something else I'd like to share with you chaps and that is libido. Living in your home country with your good looking younger Filipino wife, when Libido kicks in we try to live out our lives in the normal way but things are so different here. ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
I started a monthly meeting of expats that develpped into days on the beach and dinners in homes. All was well a while but my wife didn.t enjoy them as much as i did. When she wouldn.t discuss personal details or how much pension we received the ... Read More
Filipinas who develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner by GuestPoster254
I'm really annoyed at how some Filipinas develop a bad attitude when they marry a foreigner. They become aloof, arrogant, whiny, complaining "female dogs," which they weren't before they got married. My parents had such a tenant who complained on ...
Wow didn't know other chaps have this, but I am the same and i know the symptoms that trigger the attacks and make an effort to hug my wife and get her talking to me. I have experienced many relationships in the UK before deciding to settle down ... Read More
possible move to Tagaytay
Over the last 5 years the Tagaytay area has swelled enormously with subdivisions and shoping malls to cater for Filipinos visiting during the hot summers from Manila. The weekend traffic is solid and also the winter temperature can be chilly and ... Read More
divorce or annulment whats the cost and how quick by spanishpete
Hi there everyone would anybody know the cost of a divorce or annulment in the Philippins and how quick
Must tell you a story about a couple of close friends in San Luis Batangas. He is an ex diver and very sociable, met his G/f in Dubai as a singer, a lovely lady and great voice. We knew them for 5 years before we moved to Laguna. They couldn't ... Read More
Cable TV the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly by mugtech
Cigna Cable is still 1,000 pesos a month, same as last year. The basketball channels bring at least 2 live or delayed tape games from the NBA every morning there are at least two games in the NBA that night in the USA. Channel 5 is usually a local ...
We began with the "Dream" Satelite system and all was well for a couple of years but we had problems with reloading and then moved to Laguna. Here was an advert for "Cable" TV that included a decent internet connection all in one ... Read More
Where do most expats retire in Philippines? by filipino.united
Hi! Just helping out a friend. The place should be: · Nice (not big city or apartment) · Safe · Cheap · Have schools and hospitals · Shops nearby, etc Any suggestions?
Lipa is a nice place, it has just about everything and the traffic is not bad but look out at weekends near the SM and Robinsons outlet because the amount of cars causes back ups that stretch out of the city. We live in San Pablo down the road from ... Read More
Land and Building Tax in Philippines by samangelevski
Hi I am very interested to know how every one is paying Tax on Land or on Building or both. at the moment I am paying land tax every year, now that I have build a house on it, they tell me I have to pay Tax on the building too, this is different ...
Follow the rules and have an occupancy permit and then pay the property tax your choice. There are no inspectors to check your situation and no one will prevent you living in your house without a permit. Leave a wheelbarrow with sand in it and say ... 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 ...
Hello Jimmy, our house was finished 3 years ago and now is covered with creepers on a walkway and trees in the back. We have 2 water features and a fishpond that complete the landscaping. At the back I have made a small greenhouse and a workshop to ... Read More
Language barriers in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in the Philippines. What is the official language in the Philippines, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is ...
Yes we are very lucky to not need to speak Tagalog. The daily papers, laws of the land, road signs and shopping is all in English....but will you ever have a conversation? Sadly no, unless its a kind Filipino who maybe has spent time overseas. My ... Read More
divorce or annulment whats the cost and how quick by spanishpete
Hi there everyone would anybody know the cost of a divorce or annulment in the Philippins and how quick
Blueyes, sorry for the strictness but have you visited the gov office here in the Philippines and seen for yourself the marriage certificate ? Please do not accept a Filipinos word for things here, you'd be amazed at what is done. Then have u ... Read More
divorce or annulment whats the cost and how quick by spanishpete
Hi there everyone would anybody know the cost of a divorce or annulment in the Philippins and how quick
I take it that you have asked for a copy of the marriage licence here in the Philippines? Read More
divorce or annulment whats the cost and how quick by spanishpete
Hi there everyone would anybody know the cost of a divorce or annulment in the Philippins and how quick
Annulments are very expensive and together with the "Payoff" to the ex-husband to sign the documents can amount to about 500,000 pesos, that's a lot Blue eyes. Many people live with their partners in happy relationships without this ... Read More
divorce or annulment whats the cost and how quick by spanishpete
Hi there everyone would anybody know the cost of a divorce or annulment in the Philippins and how quick
Dear Blue eyes from Northampton, beware of scams and large sums of money given to ex-husbands for an annulment. We have lived in the Philippines for the last 12 years and have seen some guys lose money for the pretty face. I'm from your area ... Read More
The nightlife scene in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Having access to a good nightlife scene can be a determining factor for many expats upon choosing their next destination. Tell us more about the nightlife in the Philippines. In the Philippines, what is the nighlife culture like: is it ...
Back in the UK as a single chap I'd be out most nights for a beer in the "Local", however when married we'd go out only occasionally. Here in the Philippines I miss the activity of "Popping down the pub" for a couple of ... 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 ...
Yes most expats end up with some financial support to the family and a value of what you can afford should be spoken. If your partner worked before you met her then its straight forward to pay what she earned to her family. 5000 pesos would not be a ... Read More
SRRV some basic questions by Buzzardman
I live in UK and am looking to move out to Philippines on a SRRV. I have been googling away for information on the details of the procedures and have a couple of questions that I am not clear about. Sorry if they seem a bit simplistic, but I would ...
The normal high street banks having the internet banking do not allow you to transfer money to "Third parties" obvious to prevent hacking, but HSBC with the "one time password" dongle give you the facility and so if you met a ... Read More
SRRV some basic questions by Buzzardman
I live in UK and am looking to move out to Philippines on a SRRV. I have been googling away for information on the details of the procedures and have a couple of questions that I am not clear about. Sorry if they seem a bit simplistic, but I would ...
Jack, its possible to open a Sterling account with HSBC and deposit a cheque from your UK account that will take about a month to clear, we did this on arrival 10 years ago, also a few thousand cash. The bank will then give you the exchange rate in ... 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 ...
If you buy a place thats built then its important you visit other homes of the same calibre to check on the builders work. nothing is visible under the concrete and savings can be made on steel and concrete quality. I know this may sound strange ... Read More
10 years down the line. by Peter Clark
We retire to the Philippines for the warm weather, economical living and to be with our Filipino partner. Following the new home build and purchase of new car we start to look round for something to do. Luckily for some of us that’s not a ...
I was never a book reader apart from Haynes motor manuals, electronic and boat building mags until my last company had me flying across the world to fix problems and I was stuck in airports for hours. After 10 years here I've exhausted all the ... Read More
How to make friends in the Philippines by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in the Philippines :top: [b]Which are your ...
Good to have a few friends locally of your own "Race" and more importantly to meet over the next ten years! Some chaps I met during shopping trips I invited to join our monthly meetup and disappointingly a fraction turned up to say hello, ... Read More
10 years down the line.
We retire to the Philippines for the warm weather, economical living and to be with our Filipino partner. Following the new home build and purchase of new car we start to look round for something to do. Luckily for some of us that’s not a ... 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 ...
sorry folks there are no videos or facebook accounts on our house building but simply rent a house when you arrive and visit subdivisions where building work is going on. Usually the workers there are only too pleased to show u round the house since ... Read More
Designing your home
Perhaps this posting is not part of cultural experiences but if you keep your home cool then the relationship will benefit? This is a list of recommendations when designing your home in the Philippines. North facing: Kitchen Lounge. East facing: ... Read More
Designing your home
Designing your home with through breezes is the way to go for not paying lots of electric bills with air conditioners. Our new friends pay 6,000 pesos a month and we pay 1.200 . when it gets hot we open the doors and windows for the breezes that ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
We are helping out a new UK chap with Filipino wife who wishes to settle here in the Philippines. Similar to many marriages here there are financial liabilities that creep out of the woodwork when you least expect them. Jacks mother-in-law is ill ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
From our experience, when the goose stops laying the golden egg, all friendship ends. A good idea is to work out what the budget will take and make it the regular payment, no more. .. at least it stops the begging phone calls and knocks on the door. Read More
Intercultural relationships in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in the Philippines. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
As retirees here and with younger wives with a working background to support the home family we should expect to pay the family what the wife earned prior to marriage, that is if we want to be with them 24/7. Adapting to 24/7 with your wife needs ... Read More