As most people who read this column daily would know, yesterday a little bit of a flame war broke out in the comments of my last column. No biggie, it seems all resolved now. Anybody who has been on the Internet for any appreciable amount of time knows that these things happen from time to time. The flamer himself, though, left at least one comment that was constructive, though. Here is one thing that he said:
Perhaps try when possible to tackle some more meaty issues (at least to me) regarding an expat moving here to Davao Things that might be construed as more constructive to a person actually moving living and building a lfe here. Believe it not most of this sort of information stuff is not readily accessible to people as you might think and can only come from those with direct experience such as yourself.
OK, I want to provide content here that is interesting and relevant. Honestly, though, I am not certain of what this person is seeking. What exactly are these “meaty issues?” I mean, it would be nice if everybody could point out issues to me that they would like me to write about. I thought that I had covered meaty issues, so I am kind of at a loss to know what it is that this guy is asking for.
Right now, what I write about is what it is like to live here. What is my day to day life like, what do I do, what kinds of activities do I find to keep myself busy and happy with my life in the Philippines. These are the topics that I generally write about. If something “meaty” comes up, like a new type of visa that you can get, or something like that, I write about it too.
I do get requests from people, usually via e-mail asking me to write about a certain subject. When I get such requests, I generally write an article on the subject. From time to time, though, people ask me to write about something that I know nothing about. For example, a get a fair number of requests to write about building a house here. Well, since I’ve never built a house here (yet), if I wrote about that it would not be so accurate, because I don’t have experience in that particular endeavor. When the day comes that I build a house, I’ll most certainly be writing many columns about the experience.
Is there some topic that you’ve been wanting to get my scoop on? If so, leave a comment and tell me! If I have experience or knowledge on it, I’ll most certainly write about it. Let me know!!
About MindanaoBob
I dunno, I find this blog pretty fascinating as it is. I feel I’m getting a great view of this culture, lifestyle and all the other details of life there as an expat just by visiting this and your other interesting blogs. But then again, I’m not planning on moving to the Philippines, so maybe I’m not the best source of feedback on this question…
Oh, I should add that the Philippines is definitely on my places to visit soon, so I don’t just have a completely academic interest here.
Bob,
Your comnet about how to build a house.
As you and some readers know, I was an architectural Computer Draftsman for many years.
Once there and settled in I am going to try to meet with some builders to gain knowledge of how they build from the design, structure, plans and permiting. With that knowledge I might be of some help to others with questions and maybe find my niche there.
See you or will talk to you next week.
Hi RichardInSC – Thanks for your comment. Interesting that you are a regular here, but don’t have a plan to settle here in the Philippines! Well, I’m glad that you enjoy reading the site here.
Hi Bruce – Maybe you could write a guest column on the things that you learn from builders here!
“Interesting that you are a regular here, but don’t have a plan to settle here in the Philippines!”
I guess I’m just drawn to blogs written by people who have taken a very unconventional and unique turn in life and made a real go of it. It’s kind of inspiring really. What a risk, yet you seem to have achieved what you really wanted in life…a good story overall.
Hi Bob, I think you are providing content here that is interesting and providing. I am glad to know you and to be part of LiP. We must live with people having another opinion. But voicing out the other opinion should be just moderate and fair. I really can’t explain the term “meaty issue”. If I write about a topic, some readers might be interested, some not. But we should avoid “bad comments”…
Hi RichardInSC – Thanks for the kind words! I was just thinking yesterday about how happy I am with the decision that my wife and I made about living here.
Hi Klaus – Thanks for the kind words!
Well, I just realized the ‘kind of’ in the second sentence didn’t really convey what I wanted it to. It IS inspiring what you and all your friends here have done (Klaus, that means you too!) You guys have taken the bull by the horns and won the day, quite literally.
I am from the US and this blog has peaked my interest a lot in the Philippines. I got here by a very indirect route (from some political blogs, that led to cultural blogs that led here). This blog has made me very much want to visit, but not to live there. Why? Because it takes an extraordinarily flexible and robust spirit to leave your own culture and assimilate into another…it’s a trait that I know I don’t have in sufficient depth in to succeed. I admire that ability greatly, but I’m at least wise enough to know that I could not do it. Your honesty about the daily little frustrations that accumulate through time confirm to me that I am right. That is not a criticism at all, but a compliment to your honesty. Not everybody should live in the Philippines. Some commenters here, have shown that.
But the interesting things and pictures you post make me want to see it all with my own eyes. So, no, I’m not a future expat, but yes, I love what you are doing here and the way you write about it. It’s a detailed snapshot of another life so different from my own that it’s helping me, at least, to think a little broader and I now know that if I can’t live it, at least I can be a part of it for a few weeks. What an interesting vacation that would be.
Yeah..that little mini-flame from yesterday was a first for me since i’ve been looking at your website, photos and blogs Mr. Bob Martin (and Mrs. Martin, of course.) Umm, where does that poster live? In the Philippines??..Hey, I don’t know about any of that commentary but I will say this out loud: I visit here nearly each and everyday and you couldn’t be more comprehensive in you’re advise & opinions regarding an ex-pat living AND CONTRIBUTING in the Philippines.
I love my peace and solitude here in northern Michigan but miss the smells, sounds and many personalities of the country in which you live. Much love to Mindanao, the entire Philippines..oh, I could go on and on so I won’t
..but!! and I’ll say but!..you and your entire staff do a great job here. Don’t stop a thing.
Bob,
From my perspective the “meatiest” issue is Where to Live. Perhaps you could give us some occasional insight on the places that are most popular (or are becoming more popular) for expats and tourists.
Bob,
I would enjoy at times if you invite me to write a guest blog. I also am very interested in the building technology since I have drawn houses in both masonry and wood construction and a mix of both. Even though they use mainly masonry, I am sure the technology has a lot of differences than in the US. One thing I noticed was steel framework for the roof.
If you know any local builders, I would appreciate an introduction.
P.S. keep up the GREAT work.
Hi RichardInSC – Isn’t it funny how surfing the webs leads us to totally unexpected places? If you do make it to the Philippines, be sure to put Davao on your itinerary. I’ll be happy to show you around town.
Hi Wade – Thanks very much for your kind words. I’m glad to know that you are finding the site informative and enjoyable too!
Hi Laurence – Although I’ve covered that topic a number of times in past posts, I will try to add more in the future. As a matter of fact, I thought of an idea that might be interesting… stay tuned!
Hi Bruce – Nobody needs an invitation to write a Guest Post. Anybody who is interested can just write it and submit it to me. As long as it is on-topic I will post it to the Guest Blog section of the site.
Hi Bob, I missed yesterdays comments. Some people (myself included) at times get going and we live to regret our actions. I am sure Corey is a good person-just does not like people that honk their horn. I like your site-you built it and its successful. I read other blogs and most issues between yours and others are covered extensively. You were asked in a comment to talk about other places to live-but that would be somewhat difficult since your home is Davao not Iloilo, etc…. Perhaps you could ask others that live in those cities to write about life there as guest bloggers. Bob Hammerslag as I have stated in the past has an excellent writing style and hes in Iloilo-he also lived in Cebu which gives him a nice perspective. I think most readers are just sponges for information and any information you provide is appreciated by all of us. You and your other writers are doing a great job-keep it up. Ron
Hi Ron LaFleur – Actually, the idea that you just mentioned is something that I already have in the works! Not necessarily having other expats write a guest blog, but instead, I will do an e-mail interview with them, then write a post in my column about the Interview. Seems like we are thinking along the same lines.
What you say is exactly correct, and something that I come up against from time to time when I write a column – I live in Davao. I don’t live in Manila, Baguio or Cebu, so it’s hard to write about how it is in those places! Not only that, but even events in those other areas. I also did live in General Santos for 2 years before deciding on Davao, so I have that experience too.
Speaking of Bob Hammerslag, i have been in touch with him a few months back, and invited him to write a column here. He told me that he wasn’t interested, because he just values his free time and didn’t want to tie himself down, which I do understand fully. I have actually known Bob for a decade already, but only online. Maybe I can get him to do an interview!
Bob,
That’s exactly what I was referring to. The occasional guest blog or interview with someone living in another city or region. I look forward to reading them and, who knows, maybe you’ll be interviewing me one day!
To Richard in S.C. Don’t be too hasty to say I couldn’t or wouldn’t make a move like that. It might surprise you. I think most of the expats started with a simple holiday there,as myself. I had heard a lot about the P.I from filipina friends of my wife. I thought I want to visit this dangerous place. So I did & returned four more times in the next three years. I have worked & lived all over Canada & the U.S.A. & have never experienced anything like the Philippines. As soon as I am mobile again I will be straight back to the Philippines. Yes I can do it,& will!
Hi Bob -
Just as one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, the definition of “meaty” will most likely differ not only among the readers, but among the difference provinces / locales where one might live.
Articles on topics such as:
- Preparing for and weathering through a typhoon (or any natural disaster),
- Climates and seasons,
- Best modes of transportation,
- Best lechon: manok vs baboy va baka vs kalbing (kambing),
- Fashions in clothing,
- Best leisure locations and beaches,
and the like can be quite subjective, satisfying some and not others.
Perhaps one answer might be a guest column or two by expats living elsewhere (Cebu, Visayas, Bicol region, Metro Manila, Luzon provinces, etc.) expanding the view of life in the Philippines. Followed up by an article summarizing and providing a little comparison, and that might meet the definition of “meaty”!
Davao is quite a pleasant and interesting place but, with 7,107 islands, there’s a whole lotta Philippines out there to live in (and report on!).
Hi RichardinSC, thanks for your comments and mentioning me…This makes us also inspiring for my write ups…
Hi Bob et al,
Please add diplomat to your list of accomplishments, if you have not already done so! You handled a mean-spirited person with grace and just carried on with your topic! I admire your tact.
“Meaty issues” as you’ve said, are as diverse as the people here on LIP and as the Philippines itself. I ‘ve said this before and will probably say it again many times. I love LIP. You and Feyma and crew have made this unique cyber-island where we can all learn from each other and share so much. I’ve learned so much here , I feel like I’m back in college. You all do amazing things and I appreciate every post, every video and OMG those photos! My life is enriched by LIP beyond words. So keep on keeping on. Whatever you add will be just as useful and just as appreciated as all that preceded it. Thanks everybody at LIP.
Karen
Bob,
There is no doubt that upon moving to Davao most expats will get referrals (through socializing) on many of the subjects that might be suggested here. Nevertheless, I would enjoy seeing some coverage on the following if possible. Some ideas might be quite mundane to some readers but perhaps interesting to others. It doesn’t have to be a laundry list article but perhaps as part of a story which can be further embellished by comments from readers.
1. Names of Good Restaurants to eat – American, Italian, French, Spanish. German, etc. Not fast food
2. Places to buy quality imported foods of all kinds sort of like stateside establisments like Dean and deLuca, Zabars, or something similar to “Tinderbox” in Cebu
3. Accountants for filing USA taxes
4. Realiable Real Estate agents and the current environment for renting and buying apartments, houses and property
5. Good sub divisions to rent or buy
6. Sporting things to do in Davao and recemmended vendors – Diving, horseback riding, ATV, Cart racing, tennins clubs, etc….
7. Good places to watch College and Professional (USA) games like basketball and football
5. Internet service providers and quality of service
6. Beach places to go in or near Davao
7. great day tours from Davao
8. Deep Sea Fishing on the Davao Gulf
9. Scuba Diving in the Davao Gulf
10. Furniture stores
11. Good automotive mechanics
12. Air Con reconditioning
13. Builders
14. Architects
15. Surveyors
16. Places to play basketball, tennis
17. how are the condition of roads
18. cops and bribery issues
19 Lawyers to handle real estate transactions and other legal matters
20 Good health clubs to work out in
there are so many more subjects.
Basically, I would like to know about DAVAO as a place to live and what sort of things an ex pat might like to know. I know from living in the Philippines their are many ex-pats who are happy spending their days drinking, smoking, eating and watching their stomachs grow and that is their life. I hope there are others on this board who seek more than that and perhaps in the comment area can share their stories of day to day life in Davao and things that stand out for them here.
thanks for being open minded, even to me
Hi Bob,
There is no doubt that upon moving to Davao most expats will get referrals (through socializing) on many of the subjects that might be suggested here. Nevertheless, I would enjoy seeing some coverage on the following if possible. Some ideas might be quite mundane to some readers but perhaps interesting to others. It doesn’t have to be a laundry list article but perhaps as part of a story which can be further embellished by comments from readers.
1. Names of Good Restaurants to eat – American, Italian, French, Spanish. German, etc. Not fast food
2. Places to buy quality imported foods of all kinds sort of like stateside establisments like Dean and deLuca, Zabars, or something similar to “Tinderbox” in Cebu
3. Accountants for filing USA taxes
4. Realiable Real Estate agents and the current environment for renting and buying apartments, houses and property
5. Good sub divisions to rent or buy
6. Sporting things to do in Davao and recemmended vendors – Diving, horseback riding, ATV, Cart racing, tennins clubs, etc….
7. Good places to watch College and Professional (USA) games like basketball and football
5. Internet service providers and quality of service
6. Beach places to go in or near Davao
7. great day tours from Davao
8. Deep Sea Fishing on the Davao Gulf
9. Scuba Diving in the Davao Gulf
10. Furniture stores
11. Good automotive mechanics
12. Air Con reconditioning
13. Builders
14. Architects
15. Surveyors
16. Places to play basketball, tennis
17. how are the condition of roads
18. cops and bribery issues
19 Lawyers to handle real estate transactions and other legal matters
20 Good health clubs to work out in
there are so many more subjects.
Basically, I would like to know about DAVAO as a place to live and what sort of things an ex pat might like to know. I know from living in the Philippines their are many ex-pats who are happy spending their days drinking, smoking, eating and watching their stomachs grow and that is their life. I hope there are others on this board who seek more than that and perhaps in the comment area can share their stories of day to day life in Davao and things that stand out for them here.
thanks for being open minded, even to me
Sorry wrong: This inspires us all for MORE write ups…
Bob
topics are good and of interest and are very relevant to mindanao / davao
Coreys comments yesterday were way off base but i do think alternative views should be allowed without people getting too judgemental, a bit of too and fro of and debating of issues makes for interesting exploration of topics
It is not surprising there are missunderstandings, from time to time, your readers and contributors are a multi cultural bunch, it is easier to be casual in the written word but it is important that people can express themselves without getting dumped on
too much ‘ political correctness’ has stifled debate in our country (uk for me) and i think there is room for all views here, it is important that it is done in the correct manner though and i do think this forum is so popular because views expressed are genuine and considered on the whole, to me, Coreys nasty comments were not called for
Everybody – I will address each individual comment a little later as I am pressed for time at the moment. However, when I saw rick b’s comment, I wanted to address that now.
Rick – Thanks for what you said, I pretty much agree with it. I do want to make a couple of points, though. First, when you said that people should be allowed to make comments without others getting too judgmental. My view on this is that I openly allowed Corey to make his comments, and I don’t think I did get judgmental with him. I just explained my side of the coin, and freely allowed him to say what he wished. Actually, I think that it is HE who got very judgmental. Since I use my horn that makes me a lazy person? He is not lazy about learning a language, because he just doesn’t want to. Well, I consider those statements judgmental. Even with that being said, i feel that I pretty much just left it on the table and didn’t attack him in return.
I just want to say, I agree that all views are welcome. Being a little kind to others, though would go a long way to having others actually listen to and consider your views, if they are a bit controversial.
Thanks again for your comment.
Agree Bob on all your points
Hi Laurence – I kind of thought that my idea would be of interest to you, after reading your initial comment!
Hi Guy – Good thoughts! Always keep an open mind!
Hi Paul – Living here in Davao, we are outside the typhoon belt, so I’ve never had to prepare for one! I did live in the Louisiana years ago, and had to batten down for some hurricanes though.
Hmm… best type of lechon? That would make an interesting poll! I think, though, that baboy would be the easy winner!
Hi Karen – Thanks much for your comment. It’s always great to hear that we are actually passing along information that people are enjoying and learning from!
Hi rick b – Thanks for the confirmation!
I tried to leave a comment but it isn’t taking. Lets see if this one goes through. Perhaps the other was too long
That must be it. so here is two parter
Bob,
There is no doubt that upon moving to Davao most expats will get referrals (through socializing) on many of the subjects that might be suggested here. Nevertheless, I would enjoy seeing some coverage on the following if possible. Some ideas might be quite mundane to some readers but perhaps interesting to others. It doesn’t have to be a laundry list article but perhaps as part of a story which can be further embellished by comments from readers.
1. Names of Good Restaurants to eat – American, Italian, French, Spanish. German, etc. Not fast food
2. Places to buy quality imported foods of all kinds sort of like stateside establisments like Dean and deLuca, Zabars, or something similar to “Tinderbox” in Cebu
3. Accountants for filing USA taxes
4. Realiable Real Estate agents and the current environment for renting and buying apartments, houses and property
5. Good sub divisions to rent or buy
6. Sporting things to do in Davao and recemmended vendors – Diving, horseback riding, ATV, Cart racing, tennins clubs, etc….
7. Good places to watch College and Professional (USA) games like basketball and football
5. Internet service providers and quality of service
6. Beach places to go in or near Davao
7. great day tours from Davao
8. Deep Sea Fishing on the Davao Gulf
9. Scuba Diving in the Davao Gulf
10. Furniture stores
11. Good automotive mechanics
12. Air Con reconditioning
13. Builders
14. Architects
15. Surveyors
16. Places to play basketball, tennis
17. how are the condition of roads
18. cops and bribery issues
19 Lawyers to handle real estate transactions and other legal matters
20 Good health clubs to work out in
I guess that was it. Too long a post. So I will break it down into 2 parts.
There is no doubt that upon moving to Davao most expats will get referrals (through socializing) on many of the subjects that might be suggested here. Nevertheless, I would enjoy seeing some coverage on the following if possible. Some ideas might be quite mundane to some readers but perhaps interesting to others. It doesn’t have to be a laundry list article but perhaps as part of a story which can be further embellished by comments from readers.
1. Names of Good Restaurants to eat – American, Italian, French, Spanish. German, etc. Not fast food
2. Places to buy quality imported foods of all kinds sort of like stateside establisments like Dean and deLuca, Zabars, or something similar to “Tinderbox” in Cebu
3. Accountants for filing USA taxes
4. Realiable Real Estate agents and the current environment for renting and buying apartments, houses and property
5. Good sub divisions to rent or buy
6. Sporting things to do in Davao and recemmended vendors – Diving, horseback riding, ATV, Cart racing, tennins clubs, etc….
7. Good places to watch College and Professional (USA) games like basketball and football
5. Internet service providers and quality of service
6. Sporting things to do in Davao and recemmended vendors – Diving, horseback riding, ATV, Cart racing, tennins clubs, etc….
7. Good places to watch College and Professional (USA) games like basketball and football
5. Internet service providers and quality of service
6. Beach places to go in or near Davao
7. great day tours from Davao
8. Deep Sea Fishing on the Davao Gulf
9. Scuba Diving in the Davao Gulf
10. Furniture stores
11. Good automotive mechanics
12. Air Con reconditioning
13. Builders
14. Architects
15. Surveyors
16. Places to play basketball, tennis
17. how are the condition of roads
18. cops and bribery issues
19 Lawyers to handle real estate transactions and other legal matters
20 Good health clubs to work out in
there are so many more subjects.
Basically, I would like to know about DAVAO as a place to live and what sort of things an ex pat might like to know. I know from living in the Philippines their are many ex-pats who are happy spending their days drinking, smoking, eating and watching their stomachs grow and that is their life. I hope there are others on this board who seek more than that and perhaps in the comment area can share their stories of day to day life in Davao and things that stand out for them here.
thanks for being open minded, even to me
6. Beach places to go in or near Davao
7. great day tours from Davao
8. Deep Sea Fishing on the Davao Gulf
9. Scuba Diving in the Davao Gulf
10. Furniture stores
11. Good automotive mechanics
12. Air Con reconditioning
13. Builders
14. Architects
15. Surveyors
16. Places to play basketball, tennis
17. how are the condition of roads
18. cops and bribery issues
19 Lawyers to handle real estate transactions and other legal matters
20 Good health clubs to work out in
there are so many more subjects.
Basically, I would like to know about DAVAO as a place to live and what sort of things an ex pat might like to know. I know from living in the Philippines their are many ex-pats who are happy spending their days drinking, smoking, eating and watching their stomachs grow and that is their life. I hope there are others on this board who seek more than that and perhaps in the comment area can share their stories of day to day life in Davao and things that stand out for them here.
thanks for being open minded, even to me
Hi Corey:
1. I do restaurant reviews often both on this blog and mostly on my Mindanao Blog. There are hundreds of Restaurant reviews that I’ve done.
2. I did a review of Hola Espana Deli, Swiss Deli and Gourmet Deli. These places are the top three places in Davao to buy imported goods.
3. I do not know any US accountants, so I have no expertise on that.
4. I use Lea Walker for Real Estate needs in Davao. I have written about this on this blog several times.
5. Subdivisions are a personal choice. I prefer to refer those questions to Lea.
6. I am not a huge sports guy, although I have written about health clubs and swimming for exercise here. Maybe it’s the barbecue ribs?
7. When I want to watch US sports, I watch it on TV. I have written about this, even given how many games per week are generally covered and such.
Frankly, Corey, almost every item that you list is already blogged about here or on my Mindanao Blog. Do some searching, read the archives, etc.
Also, this blog is not about Davao. It is about living in the Philippines. I try to be as widespread in coverage as possible.
I do try, and will try harder to cover such items, Corey. For instance you say day trips…. everytime I do a day trip I blog about it! Just gotta watch for it.
Hi Bob,
I have been reading your website for sometime now and find it very interesting and helpful. My financee is from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, but currently lives with me here in La Mesa, CA. She has lived here in the States for about 10 years now. The other day you wrote about Ida and the condition of the roades to Bislig. Though I have not taken that road yet, my financee has told me many stories about it and what it was like when she would take the bus from her home to school in Davao. I will finally get to experience it first hand when we arrive in Davao March 2008 for vacation. I’m retired Navy, but still work and will be working for another 5-6 years where we then plan on relocating to Davao. I guess my point is I believe that you provide a fantastic service to anyone thinking about living in the Philippines or for anyone that is just interested in the Philippines in general. As time gets closer to our trip and if our schedules permit maybe Mary Joy and I can meet you for coffee or drink while we are there.
Thanks again,
Brian
Bob, all I can say about your web magazine is “KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC WORK” You are an inspiration to those of us just starting out, and your insightful views on the local customs is informative as well as entertaining. I look forward to your next column.
Hi Bob -
Re: #24 – Not too tired from Bonifacio Day activities?
Seriously, hope any activities were of the “normal” variety and the political scene regains its serenity. (Reports of protests by 4,000+ militants in Davao seem to be the lead story in the “fish wraps”!)
Hi Brian – Your visit is approaching fast! I hope that you will have a great one! Yes, I would be happy to get together for a cup of coffee when you are in town! Keep me posted on your schedule.
Hi Steven – Thanks very much! I’m glad that you enjoy the site.
Hi Paul – I didn’t hear about that protest in Davao! I didn’t go out yesterday.
Bob – when, not if, I show up there, you are definitely on my itinerary. A good cup of Joe and a few of your interesting stories would set the right tone, I’m sure. Give my best wishes to Feyma and the kids as well.
Klaus – You write very interesting stuff. Keep it up!
Thank you very much RichardInSC!!!
Hi RichardInSC – I’ll be looking forward to it!
Hi Bob- I think I understand Coreys viewpoint but personally if you only handled the “meaty” stuff I would not be visiting your site as much as it is quite often the day to day stuff than gives me enjoyment. I think your site is well rounded covering all areas of LIP. p.s I have really enjoyed your photo galleries since it began and hope more of your visitors will contribute ( maybee I will share some pictures with you one day when I get the hang of it, as I am only a relative novice in this area) Keep up the good work and best wishes.
Hi Anthony – I do try to mix up topics, and basically offer a taste of what it is like to live here. Some topics are meaty, some are fun, others are thought provoking (I hope!).
Glad to know that you’ve enjoyed the photo gallery, and I hope to see your album show up soon!
Guy – Thanks for your misplaced faith in me
But no, I’m truly a creature of American civilization and could never muster the patience that the writers of this blog have. The fault is all mine, but I am what I am. That is not a criticism of you or anybody else, but a man must know his limits and I know mine.
Like I said, I now I would be an outsider in any culture but my own, but the Philippines is one of the few cultures that I have come to admire, based in some part on this blog. Pinoy culture is not me in my opinion inferior to mine, but equivalent…we seem to be going after the same things, and the same things seem to stop us both from getting there.
I have been following your blog daily for quite some time now. I want to extend my personal thanks for all of the effort you put into it. As a prospective future Philippines resident, this is exactly the kind of information I am looking for.
Looking at some of the comments posted about possible future topics, it would appear that some of your reades aren’t taking time to look at your past posts. Many of the subjects they have requested have been covered already.
I would really like to see are more videos of areas like the local malls, stores, beaches, apartments and houses for rent and neighboorhoods. I’ve seen the ones you have on your other blog. They are very helpful. As a famous Chinese philosopher once said, one picture (or in this case video) is worth a thousand words.
A narration from our friendly blogmaster would be a nice touch!
Hi David S. – Thank you for sharing! I’m glad that you’ve found our information useful. I am planning to do some videos like what you are suggesting. Watch for those in our Video Blog.
Another reason I can’t leave is that I would miss my home so much. As an Auburn man, missing sights such as this would leave me a much diminished man. Seriously, I do love what I’ve seen of the Philippines, but if I ever missed an Iron Bowl (Auburn vs. Alabama), I just couldn’t take it. If Auburn ever decides to play a game in the Philippines, that could make up for it a lot! I’ve sent some emails, btw…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl58VLVIiJ8
I guess I just can’t change.
War Eagle!
RichardinSC
Hi RichardInSC – Finally! You have found something that we can disagree on ! I went to school at LSU! Go Tigers!
Bob,
HAH! Love it! I’ll be you’ve never admitted that on this blog until now! You guys had a awesome run this year for sure. You’ll kill Ohio State for sure at the BCS and I’ll be pulling for ya…SEC baby! And yeah, Les Miles is gonna be around no matter what the Sooey Hogs want to dream. But wait until next year, my friend, wait until next year. We held on to Tommy Tuberville and Will Muschamp and we’ll have another crack at you guys in September. Well, to strike a conciliatory note, just this once for you Corn Dogs (LSU corn dogs, google it!
) Geauxe Tigers!
And War Eagle!
RichardInSC
Hi RichardInSC – Ha ha… that should be Geaux Tigers, right? Ha ha.. I surprised you!
Hah, you did surprise me…it’s french right, so the ‘e’ is silent
Hi RichardInSC – It’s hard to follow the Tigers over here, it is rare that I can see their games on TV…. I try, though!
Hi Bob,
Well, since they are playing for the National Championships, I’d think it would be worth the effort. Ohio State is complete fluff, so you if any of your friends might be interested in a little foreign sports culture, I would think a little ‘American Football Party’ would be in order here (you know, chips, dip, buffalo wings, beer and pep-cheers). LSU will kill Ohio State with one hand tied behind their back. Your team is about as sure to win as the sun will rise tomorrow. I think it would be a very impressive display. I’m sure that it would be a very unique experience for many Filipinos and non-US expats since nobody pays attention to NCAA football except Americans. A great cross-cultural exhibition and to be had by all. Seriously, if I was in town, I think we would make this a night to remember
Regards,
RichardInSC
Hi RichardInSC – Keep in mind that we are 13 hours ahead of you, so this would be an “early morning” party! Thing is, I need to make sure if it will be on TV or not here. Only a very very few games are on. But, given the importance of this game, it probably will! Hmm… buffalo wings and beer? This is a must do!
Yeah, If any football game will shows up there, I would guess this one would! Here’s an idea…If you find it, just record it and play it for the party at a more civilized hour. I seriously doubt anybody in the Philippines would know the score ahead of time
Great excuse for a get-together for sure. Wings, beer and the college football spirit = A really great time!
War Eagle!
RichardInSC
I think I would be interested in knowing more about filing US taxes while living in the Philippines. Yesterday I asked our accountant here what we should do if my husband decides not to work here in the US and just stay in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Our accountant here mentioned about the treaty/agreement between the US and the Philippines of not taxing the individual twice and hopefully he’ll get back to me without the bill for research. I told him we wouldn’t be able to afford him if we’re LIP.
We just have our building 99% completed, a combination of our living space on the first floor and 1-bedroom apt/condo style units on the 2nd and 3rd floors. I’m afraid that he wouldn’t want to come back here. Believe me…it wasn’t fun going through the building process from plan to finish (and now the taxes I’m dreading and it’s going to be April soon).
Every now and then, I find your invitation to join your network of friends. I am not computer savvy and I always think I will have to figure out a lot of things. Today I have not even completed a Frienster loading of the apartment’s pics. I’m trying to learn how to blog my place in the Philippines so I started dabbling on it. It still overwhelms me and I know the process of improving it is still a long way to go.
I don’t know if you want to keep this link– http://zylla3.wordpress.com but check it out just in case you have business in Manila. I would want to retire in Davao or Cebu or even go back to Negros but all my siblings/families are in Quezon City and Bulacan now.
I love your photoblog and I follow it as much as I follow the travel of one foreigner who wants to retire in Cebu I believe. He’s back in Sacramento now but he still blogs of something related to the Philippines and it’s people, just like you Bob. I like the pictures of his travel from Dumaguete to Cebu last December (http://travelswithgoyo.wordpress.com ) Thanks!
Hi Cecilia – Thanks for the comment. Regarding taxes, I have covered that on the site before, but I will be happy to explain it here too. It is actually quite simple. If your husband is a US Citizen, his taxes are the same in the USA regardless of where he lives. If he lives here in the Philippines, his tax obligations to the USA are exactly the same as if he lived in the USA. Now, for Philippine taxes, he will now own ANY taxes in the Philippines if his income is not derived from the Philippines. For example, if he gets a pension, or has a business in the USA, the Philippines does not tax that. If he puts up a Sari Sari store here in the Philippines, that is taxable by the Philippine Government (since it is located here), and also by the US Government (since he is an American citizen and earning money). Yes, there are treaties that will limit the double taxation, but there will still be some due on both sides of the ocean.
Thanks for your kind words, Cecilia.
Thanks Bob! That’s a speedy answer…and a starter. My husband won’t have any pension yet. He wants to retire even without the retirement package, at least not until the next 5 years. He thinks he can survive with the property rental to be in PhP. The scary part is “his taxes are the same in the USA regardless of where he lives.” That’s why I’m afraid we still have to file here and can’t even afford the tax preparer’s fee. I hope it will be simple enough that we can do it on our own and e-file from the Philippines, if that is even possible. We will be in Quezon City this June (simpler if I can get him back to the US)…if and when later we can afford to relax and travel as far as the Visayas, we’ll be in Davao.
I need some one familier with fileing and helping to get reqirments for fiancee visa.With u.s imigration someone liveing in peranque aor manila.
Hi david – I’m sorry, but I know of nobody in that area, who does such things. You know, it’s very easy do yourself, you might try that.