I am another new person here!! I hope to network/share and learn more....
Although I have been to the Philippines over 10 times in the last 34 months, I am still "fine-tuning" my pre-retiirement goals and specific location options there (Tagaytay area is number 1 option still).
An additional element of my focus is to complete my PhD studies at AIIAS (Cavite) either under a student visa or SRRV.
In the mean time, it has been very interesting for me learning how to deal with the topics of:
Car rental
Manila Traffic as a driver
Constant Police stops for (the old you were swerving)
Police initial refusal to accept IDP (International Driving Permit) until I show them the IDP center page with a clear "PHILIPPINES" listed.
TCT vs. CCT from mall ladies insisting that they have a nice condo for sale.... with a TCT (i.e., No foreigner can legally buy a condo unless it is CCT)
LTO
DTI
TIN
ACR-1 Card issuance steps
Bank Accounts
...so I do try to relax and get in my weekly shopping at SnR to get my California Milk and Fl OJ...hahaha
In summary, the goals I have still fit well with a move to the Phil in the next 2 years........ :-}