vanvalenmikevan
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
38
About me
American
Registration: 05 December 2023
Road safety in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in the Philippines as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in the ...
@Cheryl I never drive in the Philippines. I have the wife's family drive or hire drivers and vehicles. It is safer from accident scams and it is economical. My experience is in Manila and Davao. It is simple solution to the chaos and leaves me with ... 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 ...
@Jonny2840 My Filipina wife is not like this, although I hear about a lot. What would you do if she was not Filipina?It will likely never stop., but you can move on. My wife would even say leave her to her family. My mother in law is even cut off ... Read More
Are the Philippines still relevant to the USA? by PalawOne
Are we still relevant to the USA?By Fidel Abalos - The Freeman - January 25, 2025https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2025/01/25/2416737/are-we-still-relevant-usaBuried in the euphoria of a record-breaking Sinulog Festival 2025 was the ...
This sounds like communist propaganda. Read More
Small Apartment Construction by dhmacmu
In preparation for my permanent move to the Philippines (Binongtoan/Culaba, Biliran Leyte), I had my fiancé (my long-term girlfriend and my best friend's niece) rent a small apartment for 17000 peso/month which includes utilities. I have not ...
@dhmacmuMy question would be, since you cannot own land how is your money your investing secured?The rent increase is the lesser issue.. Read More
Consequences of Trump as US President. by FindlayMacD
There are so many Americans here in Philippines and I think that the majority of them vote Republican and therefore vote for (or support) Trump, but how many of them, (And I'm talking about the ones who live here in the Philippines permanently) have ...
@Fred Well, if you are answering your own questions what is the point of dialog. Read More
Consequences of Trump as US President. by FindlayMacD
There are so many Americans here in Philippines and I think that the majority of them vote Republican and therefore vote for (or support) Trump, but how many of them, (And I'm talking about the ones who live here in the Philippines permanently) have ...
@FindlayMacD Or finally gets cured of the common cold..lol. Read More
Consequences of Trump as US President. by FindlayMacD
There are so many Americans here in Philippines and I think that the majority of them vote Republican and therefore vote for (or support) Trump, but how many of them, (And I'm talking about the ones who live here in the Philippines permanently) have ...
@FindlayMacDIt is just an opinion speculation so my thoughts are:He will work on the best interests of citizens and the economy at home. He will fight China in everyway possible. During his last administration he worked with Duterta to help against ... Read More
Women of Dumeguete by piattepye
2 days agoI have a couple of questions, I lived in Dumaguete in 2016 for a couple of months and didn't care for the place, I liked the mall and boardwalk, it seems more improved now and I will visit the city soon, how are the Hospitals now. and is ...
I liked my stay in Davao. Clean and safe. It took a while to find resources, but eventually ran into expats who were a great group. Read More
Planning/Thinking Ahead by Cherryann01
Are Filipinas good planners, do they look at the big picture?My g/f is currently on a 6 month contract working at a restaurant in Singapore. She had to pay for her own flights to get there to start with and I don't think she took the higher cost of ...
Great people, nice life with the right one. When I first started looking for a relationship I ran into those that were supporting their family and those that asked for small amounts due to problems. Sounded like my recently divorced wife. I had one ... Read More
Divorce of Ca green card holder from Philippines woman by ericgoor
Does anyone knows if A California divorce from Philippines woman is excepted as legal divorce by the Manila PSA ? The marriage was a civil marriage in Manila...Any info on this topic might be helpful Thanks
@ericgoorAs far as I know a divorce is legal from another country. It just has to be on record with the proper Philippine authorities. I am no legal expert but I remember doing research years ago about Filipina's getting divorced in another country ... Read More
Expert Annulment Attorney in Mindanao area by JonDexplorer
Hello everyone, My story begins one year ago with the meeting of a beautiful woman that stole my breath away. With the encouragement of my friends I stepped over my shyness and began speaking to her. Flash forward to the present day and we are ...
@Subak1971I will ask my wife the name of the attorney we used.She was from Davao and was actually able to get a divorce in the Philippines, it has the Supreme Court of the Philippines stamp.It cost the same as the annulment and took a year.Let me ... Read More
Paying import duty by Tefmentax
Hello, I am British and for the past few years I have been regularly sending boxes to my Filipino daughter in law, I am sending stuff like clothes and toys and books for my grandchildren. She was never required to pay import duty before now. The ...
@Larry FisherMy wife and I have taped boxes together once before due to tall items. The shipper accepted it and said no problem. We ship multiple boxes multiple times a year, no duty unless we declare duty or laptop or something like that. Read More
Passengers denied entry into Philippines stuck at NAIA by danfinn
As we all know, if someone tries to come in and they are on some list, they will not let you in. I still find it worthy to post this information.Story by MARIZ UMALI, GMA Integrated News • 1d •Some arrivals at NAIA Terminal 1 are now stuck ...
@Enzyte BobCan't wait to see the anchor baby law reminded. My wife worked in Hong Kong and they don't get citizenship. Read More
Passengers denied entry into Philippines stuck at NAIA by danfinn
As we all know, if someone tries to come in and they are on some list, they will not let you in. I still find it worthy to post this information.Story by MARIZ UMALI, GMA Integrated News • 1d •Some arrivals at NAIA Terminal 1 are now stuck ...
@bigpearlI am with you. The information is readily available and the person knows. Read More
Passengers denied entry into Philippines stuck at NAIA by danfinn
As we all know, if someone tries to come in and they are on some list, they will not let you in. I still find it worthy to post this information.Story by MARIZ UMALI, GMA Integrated News • 1d •Some arrivals at NAIA Terminal 1 are now stuck ...
@danfinnThis is privileged information. Only the perpetrator and law enforcement know. Therefore the immigration agency would know on arrival, but the airlines would not.Airlines do not run background checks on passengers. They do have no fly lists. ... Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Were your professional qualifications recognised in the Philippines? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in? Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications ...
@danfinnMy apologies Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Were your professional qualifications recognised in the Philippines? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in? Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications ...
I made inquiries with expats when I was there. The answer was simple, local compensation was not worth the effort. And the other aspect is hiring their own people. I would not want to work under the r I kes in the culture. They were happy if I ... Read More
Philippines Minimum Wages by Lost in Fiji
`This chart of Daily Wages in the Philippines for late last year might be of some help. Don't forget Phils daily workers are often also supplied a mid-day meal. The chart is accurate for our area. Anyone find else-wise for around your area in the ...
My wife built a house 2 years ago. She suggested this is high for a province. She said Google the rate. This is Manila rates. Her house was done in less than 6 months cash.I don't know, but I trust her. She has built several properties and has ... Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in the Philippines, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in the ...
Another consideration is location. I found it was different from island to island. Davao was cheaper than Luzon. Read More
Bankruptcy in U.S when living in the Philippines by Dusty Johnson
How can you declare bankruptcy in the U.S if your living in the Philippines and can't make an in person appearance ? On small amount can you just walk away ?
I recommend a bankruptcy attorney. I have filed chapter 13 twice due to life events and attorney's advise. Life is a business and has inherent risks.Let the attorney advise you on your best options as the laws change over time.Good luck. Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
I was in the Philippines in 2018. They could not unlock my Sprint phone. Things are different from other carriers. They mentioned it might wind up unusable. 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 ...
@PonaniI agree with you. People are the same all over the world in general. You have good ones and then those that leave something to be desired. I am a grandfather now here in the USA. I have old school values and we never grew up entitled. My ... Read More
First visit to the Philippines by Hgilliam7194
I am wanting to visit the area. i do not know anyone there. I have never been to the Philippines. Is there an expat group or individual that could show me around and introduce me to other expats? I would like to know that someone could meet me at ...
@Cherryann01My wife had 2 employers over her 22 years in Hong Kong. Like you said, it was 6 days a week and 16 hours a day. I was surprised to hear about the terrible conditions at some employers homes. But she was a fighter and enforced her ... Read More
First visit to the Philippines by Hgilliam7194
I am wanting to visit the area. i do not know anyone there. I have never been to the Philippines. Is there an expat group or individual that could show me around and introduce me to other expats? I would like to know that someone could meet me at ...
@Cherryann01I agree. She and I had discussed the family nonsense before my visit. Also, she was not found of most Phillipine traditions. Her mother arranged her first marriage which was not her choice. So her mother was respected but not taken as an ... Read More
First visit to the Philippines by Hgilliam7194
I am wanting to visit the area. i do not know anyone there. I have never been to the Philippines. Is there an expat group or individual that could show me around and introduce me to other expats? I would like to know that someone could meet me at ...
I had similar apprehensions and questions 6 years ago. I did not know about expat groups. I had traveled a little having work for 2 major airlines over 17 a year period, but that is nothing like an extended vacation with flexibility.I researched ... Read More
Filipino - Egyptian wedding in the Philippines by Sarah Mae
Hello, everyone! Would like to ask if someone with Egyptian groom was able to get married in the Philippines. How can we get his legal capacity to contract marriage in the Egypt embassy in Manila? What are the requirements, process, how much, and ...
@mugteckI agree, money seems to move things in the Philippines. Their version of Catholicism is more flexible.Here in the USA I could not get married in the church even though my 1st marriage was not in a Catholic church nor to a Catholic. I would ... Read More
Can Iranian tourists open bank account in the Philippines? by GuestPoster359
Hi there.I am an Iranian and I want to travel to Manila soon with a touristic visa. If you don’t mind, I have a question.Can Iranian tourists open bank account in the Philippines? I appreciate your reply. Best wishesIranian Traveler
I opened a bank account before I was married jointly with my now wife in 2017 at BPI. We still have that account. Ii gave my 🇺🇸 passport and filled out the bank forms.It did not seem to be a challenge. Read More
Building a home for my wife's family by cdillavou1
My Philippino family is located in Minapasuk on the island of Negros. We are wanting to build her Mom and Dad a home. We are worried about getting scammed and also about price hikes for foreigners. We want a reputable contractor and any other advice ...
My wife built a small home for her mom last year at the family farm. After talking with her friends she found the price to be about 20k USD for a cement home 30 × 30 Sq meters. She tried family for the construction but family wanted to charge ... Read More
Tablas Island Romblon. by casey63
Hi Everyone. I recently visited Tablas Island in Romblon group. What a beautiful place. I put out a few feelers there in regard to purchasing some land. If anyone knows about some land for sale, particularly in Ferrol or Looc, I could be interested. ...
Hi,I am married to a Filipina wife and have invested in her name. We both live in the states and we are saving here as well. It is a risk as you can never own land there.Ensure the relationship before investing money would be my thoughts. I told her ... Read More
Are there any careers for expat welding engineers in Philippines ? by GuestPoster0201
Hello everyone! I'm a newbie here. I'm planning on moving to the Philippines within the year. I've met a beautiful woman with a heart of Gold. Therefore, I'm excited to partake in this journey. I have a question pertaining to work. I'm a welder by ...
@markhamilton6100I met my wife in a month on a dating site. We g I t off the site shortly and videos over Skype constantly. Then I went over there about 4 months later for 3 weeks. We traveled together for about 9 days. Then spent time with her ... Read More
If I bring a PC on an airplane, will I still be charged customs taxes? by Arcadieus
Trying to figure a way around paying 12% through customs. Anyone have any other ideas?
@Enzyte BobThe same for me. My carry-on items were never in question for declaration or tax. Read More
Rental Property by rvilladelgado9
I have been renting a house in Bacolod City. Landlord seems to always back down from any repair requests. There is a provision on the Lease that states: Any repairs below 3K will be handled by tenant. However, the things that I have been asking the ...
The wife and I had a landlord that was similar. He claimed to be an attorney among other bogus claims. He had a judge for a friend and even threatened to have deported for causing trouble. The long story short, once we threatened a case he came to ... Read More
Paluwagan Investment Scheme by Cherryann01
Can anybody please explain to me how Paluwagan works. My Filipino girlfriend is in a group who set up an account and for the life of me I can not understand it. She says that each member contributes an agreed amount each month and that money will be ...
@JC RainbowMy wife's children did this in their businesses. They did the rotation each month for monthly loans. Sometimes they made good decisions and some times not so much, therefore paying back a large fee. Otherwise I think it was 10 or 20% ... Read More
Pros and Cons of Retiring/Living in the Philippines by Cherryann01
The more I think about this subject the more I seem to be persuading myself that the Philippines is not a great place to retire, contrary to what others think and every body is entitled to their opinion.So after reading some of the recent posts, I ...
I found that when I lived there for a total of 4 months. It was interesting in the beginning. at 7.It became annoying. and then I adopted and it became advantageous to have American.Income. The money just goes so far. You save money compared to the ... Read More
Baguio City by mugteck
We decided to spend 4 months in Baguio this trip, moved in Sunday, 11/5/23. Got a two bedroom apartment for the first month, will be moving into a single bedroom place for the last three months, same apartment building. Price is 25,000 ...
@mugteckI did the same with my wife. I was in Mindanao with her for 4 months and a month in Manila. She demonstrated the difference by me waiting out of site until she bartered. Then she would come back with me and when they saw me they tell in ... Read More
Cities In Mindanao that are Safe to Visit by moonunit0103
It seems like I have been chatting several women who live in Davao, General Santos, Kudurat City, Cagayun de Or, and Ozamiz. I have seen the State Department warnings from last year. Have things settled down? I am fond of my head and don't ...
@moonunit0103I spent a few months living in Davao and Tagum. My Filipina wife a d I traveled all over. The caviot was I have some tone to my skin color being of the nation's here in the northeast USA.I worked for airlines 17 years and globe trotted. ... 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 ...
@Peter ClarkI am new here Peter. I agree with you. I actually did a capstone paper on intercontinental marriages. For Americans, tge Filipina marriages are the most successful. I am not young and refused to consider anyone more the 25 years younger ... Read More