Nick

Having recently been through this myself and stayed in Bohol one month, i can advise you on options if you can clarify: budget, location, length of stay. Read More

Kakamaker, do you have work lined up for 7 programmers? Read More

My research revealed (I was looking at Franchising) that you can't do a business like this or anything classed as 'retail' legally without a Filipino partner unless you have >$2.5m to invest. As far as condos are concerned, ... Read More

What you need to do is come live here, make friends, investigate & research everything for YOURSELF for an absolute minimum of 6 months before you attempt to start any business. I've done 2 x 6 months trips now, i've learnt a lot, ruled ... Read More

Mandaluyong is cheap, close to Makati, taxi under 100 pesos in 10-20 mins, has two MRT stations, plenty of malls, the greenfields district is nice for food & drink it is cut off traffic, so is quieter. I stayed at California Gardens there. If you ... Read More

Eric, I appreciate you sharing the benefit of your experience, but do you honestly believe a foreigner with no Filipino wife or business partner can easily set up a business here? All the rules & regulations I have researched tell me quite the ... Read More

Seems sensible. Cut down on the paperwork. So, probably won't happen. ;) Read More

Useful information, although i would just add that if your looking for temp accommodation with furnishings then you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Don't get your hopes up on finding "Studio, furnished - 10,000 php monthly". I paid 20,000 for ... Read More

This is rare. It's wise to be aware of dangers, but I wish people would not participate in so much scare-mongering. Like this doesn't happen in America a million time's a day? I've ridden jeepney's all over Manila & at all times of the day & night, ... Read More

I think FCF is a very good place to start, as these are proven business models, invest/risk is low & good way to learn about running a business in Ph, i doubt you can make enough to live very well on one cart, but if first one works you can ... Read More

Generalisations aside (we're all guilty of that, sometimes), one of the problems is the ubiquity of catholicism. God can be used by some as an excuse to forgoe taking responsibility for yourself, - it's easier just to leave it in gods hands. Oh, ... Read More

Hey there, I been living in Cubao for about 6 weeks now, not aware of any cool clubs here (unless you class kareoke, gay or girly bars as such). Best place to hang out for a beer is Expo bar area, feel free to contact me, if you want to pick my ... Read More

Will you be continuing with the arrangement or did he have enough good sense to re-invest his profits? Read More

The other side of pig investment, looks like you got really lucky Albertet. http://www.livingincebuforums.com/ipb/topic/24645-is-pig-farming-good-idea-as-small-business-in-the-philippines/ Also, this is must read for anyone considering an internet ... Read More

Albertet, That's a very nice story for all concerned. I am trying to help some friends i have met in some similar small ways, not expecting to make any money myself, but if i can help them help themselves, then i'm open to it. BTW if those numbers ... Read More

No doubt much is possible here if you are focused, but much easier if you are Filipino (and can raise some capital of course). Yes, it's true (much like most capital cities) Manila, is too big, too noisy, mpre expensive & maybe not as friendly as ... Read More

No, still researching what is possible/practical/profitable. Read More

Exactly. That's why i'm wary of throwing the baby out with the bath water... Read More

Option 1: Oh is that all? No problem then. ;) I wish! :) Option 2: This one i get & i'm aware of, however it is still not clear if a foreigner is allowed to own even 40% if it's retail - so much conflicting information. Anyone here actually done ... Read More

Thanks good advice. I think this is the kind of thing you could start small, build up & duplicate. Location being king of course. I do have friends here i can trust in both Manila & Puerto Princessa, but the main obstacle here is the rule that ... Read More

Sounds like the pool/billiards thing could be the way to go for you, as it's you're area of expertise. Being a bit of a pro, should also add a good USP. Also not so many of them here after all wheras K bars are 10 a'penny & many seem to be empty ... Read More

Hehe, i can think of much more pleasant & simpler 'hobbies' than opening a bar! :) I'm open to looking at anything (legal) in principal, the key i think is finding the right partner(s), as many business are off limits to 100% foreign ownership and ... Read More

Borilove, Your experience with internet cafes sounds interesting , i always think best way to learn is through your own mistakes, but preferable (and less costly) is to learn from others... ;). I'd be very interested to learn more specifics about ... Read More

Hello there. This is my second post here (congratulations to me!). It's actually quite similar to my first, so apolgies if you read both. I'm a Brit & i've been here in Philippines 2 months now. I've been researching doing business here , ... Read More

Hello there. This is my first post here. I'm also a Brit & i've been here in Philippines 2 months now. I've been researching doing business here myself, initially looking at a food cart franchise (just to test the water). However i'm a little ... Read More