expatsteve48
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
36
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Cebu City, Central Visayas
Registration: 02 March 2018
Need advice to live with separated girl by Stemik62
Hi everyone. I have been in a relation for 2 years with a girl who is separated. I was thinking of moving there with her. But I have heard stories warning me of this. Is it true about extortion, being arrested, and maybe death? Her ex has another ...
I don't know...I ran out of tissue and just about slipped in the CR trying to tabo this morning, and then burned my lips on my Milo afterwards...horrible country! lol But seriously, great post. I think a lot of us use forums to vent, so we ... Read More
Noise music by Wayne 07
I live in the province in Bicol. People play loud music so everyone can hear it reqardless of if they want to hear it or not. Many times this go until 3-4 am. I understand there is a law that states music should stop at 10 or 12 pm. But like other ...
Noise is typically the biggest complaint of foreigners here, and there's not much we can do about it other than move. As westerners, we're not used to that helpless feeling of not having a way to remedy the situation, and it makes us feel ... Read More
Cooking like a local in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in the Philippines. What are some of the most popular local dishes that ...
It's definitely possible to cook healthy foods here, and we use the canola oil. I bought some for my in-laws and they tried it, but went right back to gutter oil. Hard to change old habits...especially with many Filipinos being so stubbornly ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hey Nic...fellow Texan here. You've got the inside track as a dual citizen, but if you haven't lived here in a while (or ever) it's best to come check it out for a year or two, and see how life suits you. At least live in Tagaytay for ... Read More
Cooking like a local in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in the Philippines. What are some of the most popular local dishes that ...
Provincial locals tend to fry everything in the cheap gutter oil they buy from the sari x2, load all meals down with salt, and veggies are usually not on the menu. Vegetables are not much cheaper in the province than they are in the city markets ... Read More
Traffic in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in the Philippines, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend ...
Cebu City (and the whole surrounding area) seems to be getting more congested every year and you really have to plan your day around the traffic patterns if you're going out for any distance. Recently, I had to travel around town a little and ... Read More
Need advice to live with separated girl by Stemik62
Hi everyone. I have been in a relation for 2 years with a girl who is separated. I was thinking of moving there with her. But I have heard stories warning me of this. Is it true about extortion, being arrested, and maybe death? Her ex has another ...
you should not go to the left over women... remember why I call some girls the leftover, because no man (especially no Filipino) would like her or accept her, so why would you?Was just discussing this with wife last night as we watched so many ... Read More
Need advice to live with separated girl by Stemik62
Hi everyone. I have been in a relation for 2 years with a girl who is separated. I was thinking of moving there with her. But I have heard stories warning me of this. Is it true about extortion, being arrested, and maybe death? Her ex has another ...
Tons of decent Filipinas that meet those requirements here, but yeah, it takes a little effort to find them. I think many of us get hooked on the first sweet girl we meet here, and often times she's not the most compatible for a relationship. ... Read More
The Philippines- Views from a woman's standpoint? by Kimimela
So, I've been reading this forum for some time, and had gotten quite excited about possibly settling there. Until, I spoke to another woman on the forum. Now, the forum is absolutely dripping with glowing testimonials from males about how perfect ...
Many Filipinas have trouble re-adjusting to the culture after a few years in the western world. I personally know several couples that planned to retire here, but she wants to go back to the US or Canada. Of course he loves it here. Unless you ... Read More
Guidance on preschools/schools in Cebu by Dilnaz_U
Hi, my husband & I recently moved to Cebu, & live in Maryville Subdivision Talamban. We have a 2yr old daughter & would like to enroll her into a good preschool that's close by (preferably walking distance) as I do not drive. I ...
Hi Dilnaz....you have lots of time to plan all that out, I started mine at 3 with summer classes, then Kinder 1 at 4 years old...and kinder 2 at 5. Birthday cutoff is usually Jan 1, but you can get in there if you're a few months late, as we ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to the Philippines by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to the Philippines (cultural ...
Frequent vacations to another country are the best way to relax and relieve stress. Filipinos don't really understand why foreigners get stressed here and that just makes matters worse. I'm headed out in the next few months, after 7 years ... Read More
Retiring to the philippines to marry. by Willcel
Hi l am a 71 years young Englishman who has decided after meeting online a young Filipino lady and getting to find out about each other over a long period decided to implement what was in my mind before to retire to the philippines, I have visited ...
Sure, you have learned a lot Wilcel...since first posting here. You have to keep the wife and her family happy, with lots of financial support or they will turn on you. Much more the family than your wife, but she will just follow their lead, and ... Read More
A good hospital for child 11 years old by FrankLancs
Had my step daughter to a couple of doctors but got conflicting results. Is there an actual CHILDREN'S hospital in Manila or Angels? We are in Ararat Pampanga. Thanks in advance. Frank
Sounds all good, in theory, and I get that you are Filipino and speak only good of your countrymen....but with the exception of our family friend/pediatrician every doctor I've ever met here was extremely arrogant and asking them to explain ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
............Hi Steve, I understand your thinking and wanting to please the wife. Cars, newer home, vacations, etc. etc. I have been there, done that. At 64, retired on a pension and respectable savings for any emergency, i plan on enjoying the last ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
Hi Scott and Sam....living here can be inexpensive, but as I posted in the culture thread, it's not the best way to endear yourself to your lady. Wife wants a car, and she's earned it, so the budget goes up. And we're looking for a ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
That sounds nice...you should work for the CDO tourism board...haha. Seems like some guys can live for less than $1000 and others struggle with $2500. Women seem to be the deciding factor on how much you spend here. Read More
Cost of living 2018 in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
Budget for family of 3 living in the suburbs of a large city: 5000 rent..........3 bdrm, 2 bath, detached house 3000 elec..........aircon running 8-10 hours each night 1300 internet...globe 4MBS 500 cable..........includes HBO and cinemax 500 ... Read More
A good hospital for child 11 years old by FrankLancs
Had my step daughter to a couple of doctors but got conflicting results. Is there an actual CHILDREN'S hospital in Manila or Angels? We are in Ararat Pampanga. Thanks in advance. Frank
Good advice about staying out of the picture.....we gave birth in that manner. Hospital was totally pissed when the kid came out white and I showed my face. They would have surely scammed us into an unnecessary c-section like they had done almost ... Read More
A good hospital for child 11 years old by FrankLancs
Had my step daughter to a couple of doctors but got conflicting results. Is there an actual CHILDREN'S hospital in Manila or Angels? We are in Ararat Pampanga. Thanks in advance. Frank
Unless you are there, it's hard to tell what's going on. Wish I could recommend an honest doctor but I'm not in your region. How would they treat the kid if you were not in the picture? It's very hard in times like this, and ... Read More
A good hospital for child 11 years old by FrankLancs
Had my step daughter to a couple of doctors but got conflicting results. Is there an actual CHILDREN'S hospital in Manila or Angels? We are in Ararat Pampanga. Thanks in advance. Frank
Sorry late reply, Frank. Just take her to the best private hospital...most of the "childrens hospitals" are just maternity wards. yeah, it's frustrating, as i've had to put my baby in the hospital and there's no big rush to ... Read More
Working in Makati City by Samanthachong
Hi, I am Samantha from Malaysia. I am considering an offer to work in Makati City, but not sure how is the lifestyle would be in the Philippines. What is the salary range for Malaysian expat in Makati City? Is the living cost in Makati City ...
Hi Samantha, Makati is exactly what you have read about it, upscale and expensive, yet comparatively safe. I can't help you with salary information, but I know that if you were a Malaysian male there would be MANY more perks to taking a job in ... Read More
Cooking like a local in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in the Philippines. What are some of the most popular local dishes that ...
Tinola cut for getting cut ! ha It's so tempting to eat out at carendarias and eateries as the price is almost the same as cooking, but the healthiness is very low. I cook a big pot of mongos once a week and eat it for lunches and ... Read More
Cooking like a local in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in the Philippines. What are some of the most popular local dishes that ...
I've mastered the art of cooking about half the foods that Filipinos eat.....rice! :D Filipino food gets a bad rap, compared to other Asian cuisines, but when properly done it tastes pretty good. And it tastes excellent when you're ... Read More
Retiring to the philippines to marry. by Willcel
Hi l am a 71 years young Englishman who has decided after meeting online a young Filipino lady and getting to find out about each other over a long period decided to implement what was in my mind before to retire to the philippines, I have visited ...
Hi Willcel.....best advice is to come live here for a year before getting too serious with this girl. She could turn out to be a real gem, but it takes time (in person) to figure that out. A red flag is that she's using sex as an excuse to get ... 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 ...
Looks like I missed all the fun here! haha I disagree with those who say giving money is a part of marrying a Filipina. It all depends on who you marry, and what besides a fat wallet you bring to the table. But, I would certainly never look ... 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 ...
Hi Silvercobra.....you're right...Filipinos are the sweetest people on the earth, if you're taking care of them. if not...lookout! lol But It seems like most foreigners go for low-hanging fruit and create most of their problems. I've ... 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 ...
Hey goelefrench...didn't I see you on the MMA forum? If so. hello. We're all just humans here trying to find our place in life. ***, but I believe we all have the same goal in life...happiness. 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 ...
So true, Peter...and it hurts....foreigners actually have feelings. haha I'm a bit aloof, but managed to bond with a Filipino family after almost 8 years here. They own an eatery/boarding house and I'm friends with the son. Dude is ... 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 ...
It's an unspoken truth here that you have to benefit your Filipino family in a financial sense. I took every possible precaution against that, and explained to in-laws and wife that it devalues the relationship. They accept it, but they would ... Read More
Where do most expats retire in Philippines? by filipino.united
Hi! Just helping out a friend. The place should be: 路 Nice (not big city or apartment) 路 Safe 路 Cheap 路 Have schools and hospitals 路 Shops nearby, etc Any suggestions?
I've lived in the Province, the suburbs of a large city, and also in a major City (Cebu).....and I much prefer the major city. Better food and shopping...more civilized and less envious locals...fewer barking dogs, roosters, burning trash, ... 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 ...
Been married for almost 7 years to my Filipina wife and it's been an adventure. I honestly cannot decide if we're still together because she loves me or because it would just be a huge shame for her to get divorced. She's been working ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Good advice, Gordy. The only thing I disagree with is getting too friendly with the local kids. Basically every Filipino that you know and trust, knows and trusts another Filipino that hates you with a passion. Best to not leave yourself open to ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Sharper1, Where are you looking to move? Back home, or another country? A long break from the Philippines would probably benefit us all who have been here a while. But there are places in this country where guys like us can find peace. I'm ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Hi Sharper1... ...as you know, it's not all bad here or we wouldn't stay. It's just nice to bitch about it once in a while and blow off some steam. I don't regret coming, but I made a lot of mistakes, and didn't correct most of them soon enough. ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Hi, I'm new here but have been living in the Philippines for almost 8 years. No regrets about coming here, but I definitely have stayed too long. Reading the posts above by Sharper and thought for a minute that I might have drank too much ... Read More