Meeting with visitors
One thing that I enjoy about this site (and my others) is that people who are regular readers seem to be always coming to Davao City! And, my practice is that when they come, I am happy to meet them, sit down for a cup of coffee or lunch with them, and get to know each other. I really enjoy it.
Believe it or not, this has really gotten to be a very regular thing! Just two weeks ago, I met blog readers every weekday, that’s right, on Monday through Friday, every day! On Friday I even met two different blog readers (one for breakfast and one for lunch). So, you can imagine, it keeps me busy, and keeps me meeting new people!
The other day, I met Frank Fealey. Anybody who reads the comments on this site certainly recognize the name, as Frank is a really regular commenter. I had originally met Frank last year, and this was our second time to get together. It was a really enjoyable time, and great coffee to boot! We enjoyed coffee at Apo View Hotel this time.
If you are interested in keeping up with the people that I meet during their visit, I have a photo album showing most of my meetings with readers. Every now and then I forget to get a photo, but I remember most of the time. Stop by and have a look!
If you are going to be in Davao, why not contact me and let me know! Unless my schedule is really booked up, I’ll be happy to meet you when you come!
Interesting, Bob … you’re causing me to re-evalaute my estimate of just how many people there are interested in actually seeing the Philippines … as opposed to flying into Manila and flying back out a few days later.
One think those who haven’t yet made the trip might not realize is that domestic air transport in the Philippines is completely different from what we might be used to in the IS.
On US airlines it’s often cheaper to fly from say Debnver to Manila than from Denver to Great Falls, Montana … if you aren’t flying to Orlando you are going to pay through the nose for dosmesic trips, and you are going to be burdened by all sorts of advance purcahse rules.
Here, the competitve local airlines are easy to us bargains … Cebu Pacific was recently selling Manila to Davao for a peso each way … those fares are gone, there will be another promo soon … but the regualr fare on morning or evening (lightly loaded) flights issoemthing like 1,000 or 1,200 Pesos … $30 or so even at today’s atrocious exchange rate. This is the kind of place you can fly to the other end of the country on a whim, no bank laon needed.
Hi Dave Starr - I think that there are a lot of people who are actually interested in seeing the country. Problem is that it not the real tourist market that we are talking about - As our discussion a week or two ago - the people who are interested in doing such travel are people who are married to Filipinos, OFW’s who are coming home, etc. Not the average tourist.
Funny thing is, I know people online through my websites, and they come to the Philippines to come visit family. Even if the family they visit is in Luzon or the Visayas, some of them fly down to Davao just because they want to meet me! It is actually quite humbling to have a person that you never met before make such a trip just to meet you in person!
You sure are right about airfares for domestic travel! Cheap, cheap, cheap!
Hi bob, further to the email that I sent complaining about a lack of info on things to do in Davao, I did find 2 interesting places to visit, Jacks ridge ( nice view) and the Peoples park. This was only because I offered to take 2 locals for a meal and that was were they chose to go.
today is my last day in Davao, may catch up with you for a coffee another time.
Still think Davao and the Phils need to have more info available for tourists, especially for those that are only in town for a few days.
my 2 centavos worth
Hi gerry - Did you get my e-mail? Immediately after I received your e-mail, I sent you a list of dozens of places to go and things to do in Davao! People’s Park was even on the list! There is so much to do here that I don’t have time for it all!
Take care.
Hi Bob, I was in Davao Dec 23rd thru Jan 16th. I cannot believe how the time flew buy. I wanted to meet you during that time span but so many things to do and so little time. I spent 8 days in Malita on the farm harvesting our first corn. We did very well. Next on the schedule is the coconut, than peanuts, and than banana at the end of the year. Wow, who ever thought I would be doing that. Even have a Carribou (sp). I will return for full retirement in June08. Gilda and I are looking forward to visiting with you and Feyma. I have a beach lot on Samal Island and spent several days just driving our motorbike around learning all the roads, and of course the fastest way to get to the lot. I wanted to visit your lot next to the White House but some rainy days got in our way so we layed low or went to some movies. I brought a lap top for Gilda to use so we can chat online now, it sure saves the phone card bills. So hard to be away from each other. We installed PLDT DSL and it works very nice, just the basic package. I read your articles on that subject. I look forward to being your neighbor on the Island and hey, if you ever need some Oling for that BBQ I will keep you well supplied. Thanks for your friendship.
Keith and Gilda
Hi Bob& all I really like this site. Great job Bob, BUT I really have a problem with these poor nieve retirees. I am the owner of bla-bla-bla. They don’t know that they own nothing!! I just bought this & that. These people have to be better informed!! Don’t you feel any obligation?
So we get a seciond visit too !!! alright !! be there next week !
Guy, to be fair if you hang out at this site for any length of time then you will learn the facts about a foreigner’s rights as regards owning property in the Philippines. I did …..
There have also been useful links to other sites which covered this subject as well.
Regards,
Scott
Hi Keith - I am sorry that we had to miss each other on this particular journey, but I do look forward to meeting you next time!
Hi Guy - I have written many, many times on this site about land ownership and such, so anybody who reads the site should know the score on that. It is not my duty to warn every person individually, nor would it be proper of me to do that. Look at me for an example. I have been married nearly 18 years now, in a stable marriage, one that is not going to be folding up any time soon. We bought some land on Samal Island last year. Do I say that “I own land on Samal?” Yes, I do. Do I legally own it? No, because I can’t. I know that I don’t own it, yet, in my heart and mind I do, because it is owned by my wife, and we are partners. I see nothing wrong with that.
Hi Tommy - Looking forward to it, my friend!
Hi Scott - Thanks for the back-up there! When are you coming back this way?
Hi Bob, sorry I didn’t get your email but I do appreciate you taking the time to send it. Pity, as it would have helped a lot.
I’m now back in my beloved Manila
Hello Bob,
Not trying to back you up, just stating facts.
Having been a regular reader of yours for more than a year I know you have covered the subject more than adequately as a search of the site will show.
Having said that Guy has made the point that property laws for foreigners is an important subject for retirees and others. I would not be surprised if a few people have not researched this subject enough and then have gone on to live to regret it.
I am fairly certain we will be moving to Davao for good very shortly [ subject to contracts here being honoured ].
Regards,
Scott
Hi Scott - well, it sounds like things are moving forward for you. You will be here before you know it!
Hi bOB arrive home this morning i think the brain arrives on saturday . T hanks to you and Feyma for taking the time to meet me . PS i have still got the instant coffee.
Hi Frank - I enjoyed the visit! I was kind of upset that I couldn’t squeeze that bag of instant coffee out of you, though!
Just kidding!
Seriously, thanks for the coffee and the good company!
Hi Bob just to let you know the brain did arrive today on schedule. I can now carryon annoying you . While in Davao i really noticed how prices had increased since my last vist. But when i got to Quezon city even a blind man could see the heavy increase in prices . Really scarey.
Hi Bob just to let you know the brain did arrive today on schedule. I can now carryon annoying you . .
Hi Frank - Yes, the price increases here in the past 6 months or so have been quite steep! Couple that with the strength of the Peso and the impact is huge!