Frederic

Hi Wayve. I went through the same question...well, at least my father did when he was dealing with the issue with regard to his Philippine-born children. I was born (as well as my other siblings) in the Philippines. My father, who was born in ... Read More

Hello David! Great to hear from you. No, I have not heard from Expats in Palawan since the last reply I received from Puerto Princesa. The guy was talking about selling property...which I am not ready to go into at that point. I have to go ... Read More

Hello David! I inquired about Palawan not too long ago and one expat living in Palawan responded. I too, have been eyeing Palawan as a possible place to live. It really is up to the kind of lifestyle you are seeking, climate, availability of ... Read More

Marcdee: You need to provide more information on your post....such as type of business, location, at what stage or phase of business planning you're in, resources, etc. Have you gone through the 10 (at least) planning stages of your business? ... Read More

Then they should be able to tell you where to go to have her credentials evaluated. Or you can check with dept of education in the Philippines for assistance in this matter. Read More

Hello Oreilly- I started to draft a reply to your query but I accidentally pressed a button and it disappeared. Don't know where it went. Anyway, best I start start over. The best and most authoritative source to answer your query, I ... Read More

Hello Traveller61: It depends what you want or expect from this forum. From my understanding and experience in this forum it is to share knowledge and experience with fellow expats. For instance if I want information about life in a small town ... Read More

Motorsysrems2: First you might want to check with the school you plan to attend. They may have "student services" section or Department that provides non-academic/curriculum assistance and information...such as apartment/housing for ... Read More

Thank you Ethyl....very reassuring. But only proof of U.S. Citizenship I have is my US passport. As I mentioned, I was not naturalized..so no naturalization documents. Funny, even the U.S. immigration Service will not accept my U.S Passport as ... Read More

To Ethylsimpson: Although your response was not addressed directly to me...the information you provided was very helpful to me. I do have some questions....just to confirm or clarify what I understand about Balikbayan visa. First, as I ... Read More

What I really want to do is get a balikbayan visa or dual citizenship. Not sure if i can get away with it. This my my situation: I was born in Manila and my birth certificate shows me and both my parents as Filipino citizens...but a few ... Read More

Thanks TeeJay. I'll checkout the website. Not that I intend to do it that way....just curious at this point. Read More

I am new to this method, so please bear with me. How, when, and where...do I Rent a ticket? How does that scheme work? Oh yes, you said through FlyOnward. Say, I buy my plane ticket one way from Vancouver, BC, Canada (I actually live in the ... Read More

Thank you for the enlightening update on the big cartels' illegal activities. Now there is a new, bold President who promised to deal and eliminate the three big sins...illegal drugs, corruption and criminality in the Philippines...is there ... Read More

As far as longanisa is concerned it's not just a favorite of the foreigners....locals (Filipinos) love them too! In the Philippines, it is one of the favorite breakfast foods....fried (I boil it first...then fry it a bit), with eggs over easy ... Read More

Try Expat.com for Vietnam. Read More

What I don't understand is Philippines has the capability to breed and raise turkeys, chickens and cattle without resorting to imported meats. I know for one an old friend of mine has a small farm in Tanay, Rizal...where he raised thousands of ... Read More

Yuck! I've seen how most of them wash the dishes and utensils. They just dip and swish them in the same dirty water the entire time they're on the street selling their food. I still wonder how I survive eating street food for so long. Read More

Hello Happy Traveler (Alegre Viajero): That's what my parents always tells me and my siblings when we lived in the Philippines...in fact, forbids us from eating street food. But did we ever listen to their advice? Just long enough until the ... Read More

I suppose since the filling tasted kind of sour that it was probably bad already...and that's what made you sick. Fish balls? Sound funny. As a kid growing up in Manila I pretty much ate every kind of street food that came along....and ... Read More

You're really tempting me! I remember when I was a student in San Beda the vendors always wait at the gate exit selling green mangoes with bagoong, ice cream hamburger (that is, scooped into a hamburger bun) and other goodies to eat. I better ... Read More

Wow...sarap! Nakakainggit. I wish I was there. I'm not familiar with a few you mentioned. There's one I saw that looks like potatoes cut in curls, fried, then liquid cheese poured over the top with mayonnaise then sprinkled with chopped ... Read More

Bastani.IC: Can you access YouTube online? I just saw a good visual showing on YouTube entitled- "The best Filipino street food compilation". Many food items are new to me...they didn't have them in my time. Now I have an idea ... Read More

Many times. But haven't had one for a long time. We don't have balut where I'm at now. But I was told I could get it at a Filipino market in Vancouver (Canada). I'll try to look for it when I go to Vancouver one of these days. Read More

The street food vendors I go to had them. Do you consider those turo-turo food vendors inside open public markets as street food? I do. I've been to all kinds of street food vendors...including those in small shacks along the roadway to ... Read More

Pinakbet and Kare-kare; and also bulalo and inihaw na bangus. Sarap! Read More

Esajr: To be absolutely sure check the official travel requirements for Saudi Arabia online or by calling the Consulate. It should tell you how many months remaining must your passport be valid in order to travel there. Just type Consulate of ... Read More

Maro: i know you're responding to Lady-diver...but you also answered my question. It's clear to me now. Perhaps I may have another question to post but I'll see if I can research it first before posting on the expat forum. ... Read More

Lady-Diver: Sorry I forget to mention the subject of return airfare ticket. Again, as I understand it, a return ticket is not required for those traveling on Balik-bayan visa (or have dual citizenship). Question is, would the foreign spouse of a ... Read More

To Lady-Diver: My understanding is that a foreign national married to a Filipino citizen is entitled to join his Filipino spouse in the Philippines for either a visit or to stay indefinitely. Just like my sister is a dual citizen ... Read More

That is cheap! Or Guam...have some friends I've been wanting to visit there. And it's a U.S. Territory so I can stay there indefinitely. Read More

Sounds like a solution....let's see how it works. I buy a one way ticket to Manila...with an ongoing exit ticket to Singapore or Vietnam. You called it cheap ticket? How cheap? But it still cost me to buy the ticket right? I read in one ... Read More

That's good to know. Hopefully they don't ask me for my naturalization document...because I don't have one. Although I was born in the Philippines...I was never naturalized. When it was time for me and my siblings to leave for the ... Read More

Sorry....your post seem to say that you are in the Philippines trying to get a visa to Norway. But since you are in Norway...and you already applied for a visa (to what country?) ..all you have to do is inquire at the office where you file for ... Read More

Hazel06: Why not inquire directly at the Norwegian Embassy, Philippines? Or go online, just type Norwegian Embassy, Philippines. This way you get the info you need correctly. If I am able to get such information myself from the official ... Read More

It's great to have a forum like this to read and learn from those who actually live in the country about their experiences. I am indeed grateful. But I am still on the cautious side. The recent events won't scare me from checking it out ... Read More

DigitalImage: Before you go...if you are in the U.S., check if there is a Filipino-American association in your city. I have been a member of a Fil-Am group in almost every city I've lived....from every corner of the U.S. even overseas ... Read More

Mugtech: this is a follow-up to my previous reply. I found a site with good info on Guam- Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) at investguam.com. Covers many topics..such quality of life= healthcare, education, recreation as well as many ... Read More

mugtech: You can do preliminary research on Guam and Saipan (I would think that Guam would be more advanced with regard to services) on line...you tube or just type Guam Update for current news, Guam Healthcare, or anything else as long as you type ... Read More

Mugtech: You already answered your question. Guam would be a good choice...the nearest U.S. Territory to the Philippines. They have (I would assume) reasonably good medical service. I was stationed in Guam as a civilian with the Air Force so we ... Read More

Thank you for clearing it up TeeJay. Of course there would be unavoidable circumstances when such exceptions occur. Yes, politics in the U.S. has reached chaotic proportions. That's one of the reasons I want to get out of here. I will ... Read More

I didn't even know that horseradish is a native of the Philippines. And I lived there for about 17 years. Horseradish (armoracia rusticana) is indeed a radish...belonging to the family Brassicaceae...to which other more commonly known ... Read More

Yes, of course, TeeJay.....and that is prudent on the part many expats living there. There are some...including some I know, live and spend indiscriminately.....and when they're out, they borrow. But I didn't quiet get your last line - ... Read More

Yeah...it's better than nothing...just hope SS recipients don't start going on a shopping spree. Purpose of periodic increases in benefits is supposedly to help offset the increasing cost of living. But increases in cost of living go up ... Read More

Good point...but I recommend trying to stay at least for the two seasons....the dry and the rainy seasons. Although in Palawan the hot and dry season are not always clearly defined as in other regions of the country. Many who start out as ... Read More

Great! This is the information I needed. I intend to live in an area a few meters higher than sea level or the banks of a river . Yes, I know....I fell in love with PP the moment I walked out the plane. Even if there is occasional storms, ... Read More

Good point! I will concentrate more on PP as you suggested for obviously practical reasons. I am hoping to keep healthy as best as I can....but it's good to be prepared for any eventualities. If need be I can use either the U.S. VA ... Read More

Fascinating! No matter how long ago the meteorological history you depicted is indeed fascinating. So there is always something to learn. I always prepare myself for uncommon occurrences even though they rarely happen. I was hoping to hear ... Read More

Thank you. I have the most recent copy of Lonely Planets - Philippines and have read the basic weather stats of the various regions....but I really wanted to hear first-hand experience from expats or anyone....who has lived in Puerto Princesa ... Read More

Larckcarrey- that's great but I don't think I'm at that stage yet. I am just in the area researching stage at the moment..but perhaps later once I'm settled there I can look into checking out properties there. Read More

Thanks, TJ. You're a valuable wealth of information! Have an idea...there is a branch of my credit union in Guam. In fact, on one of my trips to the Philippines....I simply used my ATM card to withdraw small amounts from my account. And ... Read More

Dorena- First, read up on starting and managing a small business. I found some helpful on-line articles (and they're free!)....like the following: 7 Essential Principles of Small Business Sucess; also- 5 Essential Principles for Growing Your ... Read More

First of all, I never wanted to leave the Philippines; I was born and raised there during my first 17 years of life. Apparently since I was considered a natural born US citizen, my parents sent me to the US before turning 18. Then when I joined ... Read More

You're so right....I get it. News never fails to strike horror and fear on the viewers....so much different from what it really is. Thanks for your input. Feel better now. Read More

We certainly had a colorful and exciting life. I believe 22 R. Mapa is closer to the plaza. I remember walking to church and you pass Mandurriao Elementary School. Back when I lived there...I don't think there was a hospital yet. I believe ... Read More

Hey are we In the same astronomical paths? Check this out...after an assignment (as Army civilian) in Korea we went to Germany (Rheinberg)...then to Schinnen, The Netherlands, and back to CONUS for a series of assignments with the Navy and Air ... Read More

Information I have about Numancia is just general info...tourist stuff. What might help is to Google NUMANCIA, Aklan, Philippines...and you will find all sorts of info that you need. Also YOUTUBE has lots of visuals and commentaries about ... Read More

Indeed a coincidence! Then you must know the Escarrilla family on R. Mapa St. We visited my old home and family in Mandurriao when we were stationed in Sasebo, Japan as a civilian working for the Navy. It was a grand reunion. By the way, ... Read More

Thank you....that was very helpful information. And by the way, how do you like living in Iloilo? I lived in Mandurriao during my stay in Iloilo. Read More

Maybe so....but I'm not going to live in Thailand (I've been there too, lived and worked a year and a half). I had retinal reattachment done by an ophthalmic surgeon in Manila...(he is also licensed, educated...and practiced in Houston, ... Read More

Thank you for your input, Gustavo. I pretty much figured that the news media grossly exaggerate reporting the events. It hasn't changed much since I lived in Manila as a kid. But it is good to hear from expats residing in the country that ... Read More

FilAmMom, the need for window bars should be decided according to family circumstances, and in your case it makes sense specially that you have a child in your home. And an elaborate ornate one such as you described is a plus. And ensuring you ... Read More

Thanks TeeJay! You're very thorough and very much appreciated. If I can't get a Balik-bayan visa at the point of entry I'll try what you suggested. Yes, I mentioned in my message that I first inquired with the Consular Office in San ... Read More

ELIGIBILITY for BALIK-BAYAN VISA On another topic. Some years back when I was stationed in Seoul, ROK (as a DOD civilian) I was able to secure a multiple entry visa to the Philippines...good for a year. I think that was because the vice-consul was ... Read More

Hmm. I think President Duterte has to be informed about the break-in in your home. I hear great stories that he pretty much cleaned up criminality, drugs and corruption in his 22 years as mayor of Davao City. And a gated community at that! That ... Read More

You're so right in all the points you addressed, TeeJay. Bars in windows is becoming quite common in the US also. When we lived in San Diego, CA (where many Filipinos reside) I would joke with my wife when we see a house with barred windows ... Read More

Wow! That's impressive. So it's true...the new president kept his promised. Believe talaga ako. So definitely I have to go back. Thanks for the encouragement. Read More

Thank you. Your reply is encouraging. Perhaps you have been living a charmed life or whatever it is you're doing right. After having lived and worked in many troubled spots in the world without even a scratch, perhaps I too, have been living ... Read More

Yes, freddamy113? I received a notice that someone commented about my post: Baguio and beyond. When I opened mynotice this is all I saw: fredamy113 Today 09:26:17 hi I"m a new member here Well, go ahead. Speak up. I'd like to ... Read More

Thank you for the suggestion, Ms Billygoat99! I have only been to Tagaytay once with a group of friends. Love it there! Fortunately for me, I only have to worry about finding friendly and caring people to hang out with...and clean, open air ... Read More

James Mitchell and others....thanks. I have noted your comments and keep them in mind. Now that I have learned of other "cool" places in the Philippines...I am expanding my research to other areas south of Luzon. I remember going on a location ... Read More

Thanks everyone! I thought of Tagaytay...but as commented about...it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. I went there once...indeed, it was packed! I researched other cool areas...I was amazed to learn there are several other "cool" ... Read More

I will definitely include Surigao in my itinerary when I make my trip to the Philippines. It's a shame that I lived in RP for more than 17 years and didn't get to visit all the provinces. The farthest I got to was Palawan and the Visayas. Thanks ... Read More

You're no doubt right about Surigao...little known to the world yet abounds in natural beauty and possibilities. Why not write more about Surigao? I know I would like to know more. Also important for people to know...particularly those ... Read More

The old "hard work" ethics in the U.S. has been flushed down the toilet of "progress" so to speak. Now the norm is make as much as possible and do as little or nothing to earn it. It's that "greed" thing coming into play everywhere. And whoever ... Read More

That's good. Not sure of your situation...but whatever it is, get yourself ready. We all have choices...it just depends what choice we take. My preparation is simple: Get out of debt completely! I started 2 years ago. A few years back, decided ... Read More

Thanks. I'll look it up. I suppose I'll have to go to Manila to get the NSO copy. Might as well...need a vacation anyway. Read More

Yes, I have a copy certified & signed by a registration officer of the census bureau in Manila. I don't think it is an NSO copy however. But certified nonetheless. Does it have to be NSO? Read More