So you are thinking of moving to the Philippines?

Today’s Guest Post is from Lloyd Cromer.  Lloyd is a long time reader of the LiP Web Magazine, and has contributed this article about getting everything lined up for a move to the Philippines.  Thank you for your contribution, Lloyd!

I do not have hard statistics, but I would guess that many that make the move  to the Philippines abandon their idea and move back to their home country within a few years.  Between Louis and Bob here on the LiP site, the consensus opinion is that 50 to 66% of foreigners who move to the Philippines end up going home within a relatively short time. There are many reasons, but I would guess the top 2 are: lack of income or funds, and not being able to adjust to the Philippine culture.

I have put together some of the important things to consider prior to making the move.

These may appear as common sense things to consider but in the excitement many people overlook the obvious.

1.  Are you ready to make the move?
•  Are loose ends all tended to and all potential problems solved prior to your move?
•  Do you have a firm grasp on what living in the Philippines entails?
•  Can you make the adjustments of living in the Philippines?
•  Remember, a vacation in the Philippines is NOT the same as living there.
•  Have you done your homework, and feel secure that you have all your important q uestions answered?
•  Do you have the complete support of your family that you will leave behind in your native country.
•  If you are having a difficult time living in your native country, don’t expect living in the Philippines to be any better.

2.  Have a clear cut reason why you want to live in the Philippines.
•  Saying “I want to retire in the Philippines” sounds great, but what does that really mean?
•  Once the primary reason is determined, all your decisions should support that reason.

3.  Have a plan, but don’t micro plan.
•  You know the old saying, “People don’t plan to fail… they fail to plan.”
•  Have an overall plan, a back-up plan, and finally an exit plan with a “threshold”
that will tell you when to abandon your thoughts of living in the Philippines.
•  Do not get so involved in planning, that you have made decisions that cannot possibly be attained.
•  You must be flexible. Things can and do change, you must be able to take it in stride.

4. It can’t be emphasized enough, Homework, Homework, Homework do it before you go anywhere.
•  Read and research as much as you can. Take the time to learn. Be informed.
•  Stop and learn why things are done the way they are.
•  Don’t make decisions in haste.
•  Remember “You can read everything written, but until you experience it, you will not fully understand.”

5.  Income
•  To live in the Philippines it requires money, do NOT ever think otherwise.
•  Have a budget and be realistic. You will usually spend more than anticipated.
•  Where will your income be derived? A secure, predictable income is a must.
•  Have a large enough reserve for emergencies, and only use it for emergencies.

6.  Medical issues
•   If you do not have medical insurance, you must have adequate money to cover medical expenses.
•  Only the major cities have hospitals capable of handling extreme emergencies.
•  There is no such thing as 911 (emergency) in the out-lying areas.

7.  Family issues
•  If you have children, schooling is the #1 issue. Have this worked out prior to your move.
•  Usually a filipina wife that has lived overseas will have a harder time re-adjusting to Philippine living.

8.  Don’t start a business you know absolutely nothing about, and don’t pretend to be something you are not.
•  Unless your visa allows you to work, it is illegal for you to own and run a business.
•  If you are able to operate a business, don’t expect to make a living wage.
•  If you plan to start a business, proceed slowly with your eyes wide open. Businesses are probably the number one reason for foreigners to lose most of their money.

9.  Leave your western mentality at the departure gate on your way over.
•  The Philippines is a different country with a different culture. Your way, may not be their way.
•   If you insist on “doing it your way”, you soon will become very frustrated and disillusioned.

10.  Don’t burn your bridges.
•  You may need support eventually. Make contacts and friends to have a support network.

11. Once you have made the move, set goals, and assess those goals every few months.
•  This can be therapeutic and prevent boredom. You must have a purpose for getting up each morning.

12. The Philippines is NOT the “Wild West”.
•  The laws of the universe still apply here. You will be quite conspicuous and under greater scrutiny.

13. Learn the language. Much can be gained by actually knowing what is going on.
•  When you get settled and have time, learn the language, it will be an education in itself.

14.  Finally, we all have common sense. Don’t leave home without it.
•  If you wouldn’t do something back home, then please don’t do it while in the Philippines.

I must credit Bob Martin for providing many of the above tips and considerations. Bob’s blog should be a daily read for those considering moving or even those already living in the Philippines. He doesn’t hold back on “telling it like it is”, and every article he writes is entertaining while being very informative.

I am sure every person that has made the move, successfully or not, has a story to tell.  I invite you to share your experiences, good or bad, so that others may have a better insight on what it takes to move to the Philippines.

Trip to Southern Mindanao

Today’s Guest Column is from longtime LiP friend Jim Cunningham.  After a long love affair with Talakag, Bukidnon, Jim finally broke down and settled there in 2008.  Jim is venturing out and exploring new parts of Mindanao, and today he will share one of his recent adventures with us here on LiP.

Early last week Marilou accepted an invitation from her cousin who lives in General Santos city to travel there and spend a few days in order to see the new house she is building.

Since this decision was taken on the Tuesday morning and we were travelling on the Thursday it did not leave a lot of time for preparation for the journey which was incidentally by road with me driving. Marilou’s cousin was visiting her mother who lives in Cagayan de Oro and was travelling back to Gen San in any case so at least we had a navigator for the journey.

Prior to this trip I had only been as far as Davao before and that was as a passenger so it was quite an adventure for me.

With the vehicle duly fuelled up and the baon box filled we set out from Talakag at 4am to drive down to Cagayan de Oro and pick up her cousin. Fortunately the weather was good with no rain and most folks in bed we arrived in CdeO just after 4.30am to collect a very sleepy cousin. With all safely on board we set off on our journey to Gen San by way through Manolo Fortich, Malaybalay, Valencia, Maramag and Quezon then on to Buda and Davao.

Being early in the morning the traffic was light and we made good progress towards Malaybaly the road is much improved but by no means perfect since the last time I travelled it in March to attend the Kaamulan festival. Maybe in another year’s time it will be completed fingers crossed, CdeO to Malaybaly took us two hours. With the sun now up it was on to Valencia and a comfort stop for the girls three in all, I forgot to mention that we took along the puppy that we acquired three weeks earlier on the journey. She was as good as gold by doing her business under the Jollibee sign whilst the other girls had the decency to at least go inside.

So it was back on the road next to Maramag, I always wonder what plans are in store for Maramag with the Municipal Hall sitting so big and grand and isolated from the rest of the town out of all proportion to the town itself. Maybe one day we will find out.
There are two ways to go to Gen San from Maramag take the right at the Y junction via Don Carlos and North Cotobato or left to Quezon and Buda, we chose left the more scenic route. Once again we were on our way passing the never ending road works of Quezon. The M1 London to Leeds was completed much quicker than the half Km of road in Quezon High Street.

This is where the road starts to climb and the views become spectacular particularly at Over View where there is a place to stop and picnic. Well it was open the last time we went to Davao but this time it was closed however the security guard let us in to admire the view and allow me to use the comfort room. Did I say comfort when the lady opened the door for me I had no sooner started to jingle when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a halas making for the cubicle nearest me. Well by now I was into full flow and not having been since Talakag I had to keep one eye on the halas and the other on the business in case I had an accident on my shorts (the wet kind). I decided not to wash my hands after completion but instead bolted for the door. Once outside I casually mentioned to the lady and the gardener that there was a halas in the CR. Well all hands on deck and the halas was soon brought out and given a sound beating, its last I may add.

The roads in this area are very scenic with the mountain views mixed with an all most alpine feel with many pine trees growing in this region of the Bukidnon/Davao border.
The passengers in the Batchelor buses that ply the CdeO to Davao route may as well close their curtains as the buses go that fast they never see anything of the scenery, I’m sure.
On down the road to Davao with the traffic still light and the road quite good for a change we arrived in Davao at 11am a decent 6 ½ hours less the comfort stops etc from Talakag. Only stopping to refuel in Davao we were soon on our way to Gen San with only the road works between Davao and Digos to slow us down although by now the traffic was heavier we arrived in Gen San just after 1.30 pm.

After lunch we visited the new house that Marilou’s cousin is having built then it was a tour of Gen San and also making a reservation to stay the Friday in Isla Parilla a resort on the outskirts of Gen San then it was back to the city for the mandatory photo outside the house of the wee man himself. I just wish I could have seen him but a photo outside the house is better than nothing at all. That night we had dinner in Grab a Crab which for those who intend visiting Gen San is worth a try. It was early to bed that night as I was tired between the long drive, the encounter with the halas and seeing Manny’s residence.

Waking up on an egg producing farm with a production capacity of 70,000 eggs per day can be an experience, guess what was on the menu for breakfast? Yes every recipe for eggs you can imagine. Since eggs are one of my favourite foods it was no hardship for me.

The itinery was already planned for the day by the girls so I had no option but to tag along. The plan was to visit Lake Sebu located in South Cotabato in the morning, so we set off about 8am and the road which incidentally was very good took us through the city of Koronadal and the town of Surallah before turning off to the resort at Lake Sebu. The particular resort we visited was called Punta Isla where it’s claimed “Life blends with nature”.  The resort was indeed beautiful and the prices for accommodation were all under 1,000 pesos per night. Whilst we were there Marilou bought some T’Boli pashminas (batik shawls) and we tasted the tilapia fingerlings chicharon which were excellent. We had to leave sooner than we had wished as we were to visit the Dole Country Club at Polomolok on the way back to Gen San. The approach to the Dole complex is a bit of a mystery tour to be honest it must be the best kept secret in the south of Mindanao. You have to pass through pineapple plantations that stretch for miles in order to arrive at a gated compound where entry is by invitation only and after asking for my name and checking his list the security guard told me to bugger off, only joking! Once inside the compound it’s like entering another world with the houses arranged in avenues of pine trees all the way past the private school to the club house and leisure complex with swimming pool and golf course immaculately kept. I was impressed with the standard of everything within the complex; whoever is the CEO of this particular facility has excellence as his byword.

So it was back to Gen San to grab a quick lunch at Marilou’s cousins house then on to Isla Parilla to check in and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the pool and trying our hand at fishing and considering it’s a fish farm we might as well have gone to the wet market in Gen San for all the luck we had. I think Marilou is a jinx when it comes to fishing.

Later that evening we went to a local BBQ restaurant called McDo (formerly called 4 Brothers) for those who know Gen San. When we arrived there was a brown out I thought this was part of the atmosphere until the lights came back on just after sitting down at our table to discover the whole place was filled with smoke from the BBQ burners and the candles. It was so smokey Marilou tried several times to take photographs without success until the smoke cleared. The BBQ was superb with the speciality being essol no prizes for guessing what part of the manok this is but just in case you’re struggling, there is only one and its dual purpose. I must have eaten 5 sticks of this particular delicacy and enjoyed every one of them. (Now I know why it’s dark in there). Following our meal I was then informed that by eating there I had tasted the real Gen San BBQ. So it was back to Isla Parilla for a nightcap of sashimi (raw tuna cubes with wasabi and soy sauce) and some cold beers to wash it down.

Next morning following breakfast we headed for what we were informed was one of the nicest beaches in the Sarangani Bay area at a place called Glan. Once again the roads were excellent and the drive down the eastern side of Sarangani Bay gave me new scenery to look at. The resort we visited was well worth the journey as so far this area has not yet been commercialized. The Rosal Beach Resort comprised of pure white sands and the beach itself stretched as far as half a kilometre each side of the resort. With the blue waters of the bay and the white sands it was truly a tropical paradise to behold.
The resort is currently being developed with a two storey accommodation facility being built with approximately ten rooms available when completed.

This location will be a place to go in the future for those who enjoy the tranquil life.
So once again it was back to Gen San as Marilou had a hidden agenda or should I say a mission to complete. Marilou has been communicating by email with Ms Rue Ramas for over a year now since she is interested in Rue’s craft industry in converting the humble corn husk into all kinds of beautiful items such as decorative flowers, native dolls and all types of ladies bags to mention but a few of the items. Rue has been organising and holding seminars all over the Philippines for many years encouraging this type of handicraft in conjunction with government and educational agencies.

After visiting the Gen San corn craft centre where all the goods made from the waste corn husks are available to purchase we were invited by Rue to drop in at her house in the city. When we arrived we were informed that we would be guest guinea pigs to sample the culinary delights of a new restaurant venture opening soon located within the garden of Rue’s house. The Red Trellis Seafood Garden Restaurant is owned and managed by George Sandoval a well known local business man and the theme is a Japanese Garden. I must confess when the offer to sample the new menu was made we were delighted and not being one to disappoint a chef was looking forward to this pleasant experience. So just imagine the setting Marilou and myself in the company of two amazing hosts in a little corner of Japan in the city of Gen San awaiting a feast. And when the dishes started to appear I was like a dog with six bones not knowing which one to chew first. The food I must stress is not Japanese only the theme of the restaurant. The food is entirely Pinoy and comprises the best of the entire Philippines not just regional. I could have continued eating long after lunchtime had passed with superb food and such entertaining company I just know this venue will be a success due to the commitment for quality and service. Good luck George with this truly original venture in a city which is really progressive.

Following 10 rounds with Manny Paquiao I was ready to go out again that evening for dinner and there was another delight in store for us with a visit to Sarangani Highlands. This particular restaurant overlooks the Sarangani Bay and is famous for viewing the setting sun over the bay. Unfortunately on the evening we were there the cloud cover prevented us from witnessing the sunset but dinner nevertheless was delicious. By the way the CR facility here must be one of the best in the Philippines with superb views, believe me.

Having packed away a lunch and dinner in the same day that would have done Bob Martin proud we were not finished yet as we stopped for dessert at Jojo’s who had surely the biggest Halo Halo if not in the Philippines, certainly in Mindanao. When it arrived I thought it would have six spoons but oh no only one. It was served in a buko shell filled to overflowing and once again I did the chef proud. After I put away my dessert with a struggle I might add I was informed that there is another place in Gen San that serves up an even bigger Halo Halo which I will be introduced to on my next visit to the city in December.

So it was back to the farm for a good night’s sleep as it was off to Davao the next day on our return journey to Talakag.

With the vehicle checked and washed and duly loaded with plants for our garden (orchids) no less and eggs of course, extra large and jumbo only the best and eggs for breakfast what else did you expect we were on our way. I almost forgot the puppy with all the extra load we were carrying back home.

With it being Sunday the roads were reasonably quiet and I had already warned Marilou no stopping to buy anything on the way as there was no room left in the vehicle. You must be joking when we reached the area where the wood carvers sell their wares she jumped out at a road block and quick as a flash she had purchased a dual purpose snowboard-serving lechon tray for a 50 kilo baboy and somehow slipped it into the back of the vehicle. On the next leg of the journey I must ensure the childproof locks are on that will stop her from jumping out to buy things. Marilou’s cousin I forgot to mention was driving her husband’s pickup on the journey to Davao as he was playing in a golf tournament there and needed the pickup to take back some materials he intended to purchase in Davao. When we reached the city proper she moved in front of me to lead the way to the hotel. I think she forgot that we were following her and the race was soon on to stay behind her. If she had drove down from CdeO with me as a passenger I would have got out and taken a Bachelor bus as it would have been safer. With her driving even the manok and the goats looked left and right before crossing the road.

Anyway we did arrive at the Bagobo House Hotel in one piece, thank god it was Sunday and not a week day as I’m sure we would have been arrested by the Highway Patrol.
Now in Davao there are restaurants and restaurants where ever one might be but when you’re with someone who knows their onions so to speak you can be guaranteed a good lunch and once again at Dencio’s we were not disappointed, try it sometime.

However to crown an eating marathon over the last few days we had dinner in the Emerald Seafood restaurant which was superb, again please try it for yourself if in Davao.
We left Davao on Monday morning at 7.45am to journey back to Talakag having spent the most enjoyable five day break I’ve had in a long time. My waist needs some work as it was sorely abused during the trip south but I at least enjoyed every mouthful.

We got back into CdeO around 2pm for those who are interested avoiding Overview to jingleize instead holding on till Jollibee in Vallencia and the total journey was about 1,000 KMs.

Having done this journey I conclude that travelling by car is the best way to see and appreciate what the Philippines has to offer scenery wise as you are up close and personal all the way, potholes and all.

Around the Philippines – in a Tricycle

Today’s Guest Column is from Christian Skoda.  Chris owns a website documenting his travels of Asia, a website which I follow regularly.  Chris’ website is Nomad4Ever.  Although I have yet to meet Chris, I hope the opportunity does arise during his stay in the Philippines. – Mindanao Bob

If somebody asked you: what is the most popular mode of transport in the Philippines? You would probably answer either ‘Jeepney’ or ‘Tricycle’.

Most Filipinos don’t even have to think about using Jeepneys – it’s part of their daily routine, a cheap way of getting from A to B. That accounts also for tricycles, although mainly when going shorter distances. For a foreigner coming to the Philippines, both concepts are probably fairly new. We know motorcycles or cars, but those ‘hybrids’ we don’t have back in our home countries.

But we learn pretty fast to use and love them and I’m sure, most foreigners living in the Philippines use either almost every day also.

So what can you do, if you have 2 people and approximately 50 kg of luggage to transport, but want to travel independently and want to see the most of the country?

Buy one and do it. Seriously? Yes!

You can buy both, jeepneys and tricycles for private use in the Philippines. A used Jeepney goes for something around 200K-300K Pesos and would perfectly take you around the country with all the luggage you may want to bring.

You would also have enough room to spend a night in it, if needed. On the other hand, a jeepney engine surely is a gas guzzler and somewhat overkill, when you just want to get around the country. Also RoRo ships (Roll-on and roll-off ferries) will charge you an arm and a leg for your truck-sized vehicle, if you feel like changing the island you are currently traveling on.

So what about a tricycle? Wouldn’t that be the perfect alternative?

You bet!

The initial costs to having a tricycle are much lower than buying a Jeepney. It mainly consists of a standard motorbike (minimum 125cc or better 155cc) and a sidecar. And it can be repaired (if necessary) in every village by almost any mechanic. Welding Shops are also located every few blocks in any given Barangay of Pinas, so your support network is already set.

When you decide to live in one area of the country, be it in Davao, Dumaguete or Batangas – you will probably have a nice base (your home) to explore the surrounding areas. But you will also have one downside – after a day trip or two, but mainly rather sooner than later you have to come back to your base.

With your tricycle you can always go forward, exploring a new area every day, without ever looking back. It can carry all your belongings, your partner and yourself.

But the best reason of having your own tricycle to tour the country is simple: it’s the freedom that comes with it.

And in contrast to a car, which isolates you practically from the environment, you are here right in the middle of it. Like with a motorbike, you are an easy rider, born to be wild – you will feel the wind in your hair, hear the sounds of bird, roosters or water buffaloes around you, will smell the coco copra that is stored along the way and the lechon bbq prepared on the sidewalk.

You can hear the laughter of children playing and the “Hey Joe!” calls of friendly Filipino bystanders.

But still you are covered from a rainstorm or the burning sun and have much more space to bring luggage and your loved one than with a bike only.

Total freedom!

Okay, you have the initial costs of buying a motorbike and attaching a sidecar – and surely there are some maintenance costs and repairs along the way. Prepare yourself to spend some Pesos on that while you roam the islands.

But the wind blowing in your face, being close to nature, its smells and sounds and “taking the world in a love embrace” – that’s simply fantastic and above all – priceless.

__________

Learn about how Christian’s Adventure got started here.

Starting in Dumaguete (on Negros) he drove so far via Panay and Mindoro to Luzon, currently in the Bicol region. Follow his progress via this map here on his Google Map.

Check out his Flickr pictures.

Ten things I love about the Philippines

Today’s Guest Column is from David Katague.  David has a blog about his place in his beloved Marinduque, give it a visit, and visit David if you happen to be in Marinduque too!

Several weeks ago, I listed the ten most annoying things that bothers me in the Philippines  in this web magazine with the thought of writing the ten things that I love about the Philippines in the future.  I was writing it as a balikbayan retiree and from the point of view of an  enthusiast of  the “snow bird” lifestyle. I did mention in that article that those annoying things are easily outnumbered  by the things I love about the Philippines. I could give a list of more than 100 items I love about the Philippines, but I will  limit  it to my the top ten and from a point of view of a balikbayan retiree. These top ten items are not in order of importance.

1. The cheap standard of living, cost of food, services ( maids and drivers) With the exception of electricity, everything is cheap in the Philippines specially services,  for example haircuts, massages , pedicures and manicures is much, much cheaper in Philippines than in US. A specific example are mens’ haircut. I pay between 60  to 100 pesos in Marinduque, but here in Sacramento, I pay between $12 to $15 for a haircut. For a $1000 a month, I live like a King here in Marinduque. The current exchange rate is 47.8 pesos for one dollar as of this writing date.
2. The simplicity of life . The locals are easy going and do not hurry for  their appointments. There is not much traffic if you reside in the provinces and in small towns.
3. The abundance of fresh vegetables and fresh fruits ( papayas, mangoes and bananas)  at a reasonable prices as well as the  Filipino cuisine( lechon, lumpia and pancit) and  delicacies ( bibingka and leche flan).
4. Accessibility to the beaches, mountains, caves , rivers , islets  for picnicking, bathing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just relaxing ( I am talking about Marinduque, Not the big cities).
5. Social support system is fantastic. The presence of relatives specially during Christmas and Easter seasons is an experience one can not  forget.
6. Availability of all modern amenities, good restaurants, international food , modern health services in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu  and  other big cities.
7. The dry and cool weather, ocean sea breezes ( at Chateau Du Mer )during the months of November to February.
8. The numerous fiestas and festivals whole year round, specially during the months of January and May. I wrote an  article on this subject in one of my  web blogs.
9. The hospitality of the people and their attitudes toward foreigners and visitors.
10. Historical and Cultural heritage we have as a nation from Spain ,  such as our old churches, folk dances, Kundiman music, Putong, Kalutang and respect for our elders and freedom of the press and speech from the United States.

Annoying things…

Today’s Guest Column is from David Katague.  David has a blog about his place in his beloved Marinduque, give it a visit, and visit David if you happen to be in Marinduque too!

My Top Ten Annoying Things in the Philippines

Just recently Bob posted an article stating that The Filipinos do not believe that time is money, so that  instead of giving you an exact time for an appointment, they will say, after lunch,  or  see you in the morning or afternoon. To a foreigner or non-Filipino visitor, this is indeed an annoying Filipino habit, trait or tradition.

Besides the above (value of time) I have my own personal list of 10 other annoying things in the Philippines as follows:

1. Traffic ( in big cities) There is always traffic congestion almost 24 hours a day, especially in big cities. The only time of the day when there is no traffic congestion in Manila and  suburbs is  between 2 to 3 AM. This is a good time to go to the airport to be in time for your 6AM flight.
2. Jeepney and Bus drivers: They drive like maniacs. They pick up and drop passengers in the middle of the road. Most provincial drivers drive like maniacs. They will overtake private cars on the wrong side of the highway and even on dangerous curves.
3. The long lines in the banks and ATM machines and people cutting-in the lines
4. The crowing of the cocks and the barking dogs at 4AM or even earlier
5. When you invite one in your party, he or she brings one or two others, without advising you ahead
6. Filipinos seldom RSVP an invitation or answers their e-mail in a timely manner
7. The heat and humidity during the summer months especially the months of April and May
8. The smell of  fish and (Durian)-probably only in Davao) in the public market
9. Littering on the streets and on the beaches
10. Urinating in public

I know you could probably add more items here and I encourage you to it. I also know there are a lot of numerous good  things about the Philippines. But that is another topic worthy of writing in the future.

Philippine History

Today’s Guest Column is from David Katague.  David has a blog about his place in his beloved Marinduque, give it a visit, and visit David if you happen to be in Marinduque too!

History of the Philippines in 10 Minutes

Yesterday, a friend forwarded me an e-mail titled Brief History of da Pinoy by Dioskodai, which is 5 pages long. This e-mail was very informative and humorous (if you understand or speak Tagalog), I decided I should summarize the highlights with my comments in parenthesis for the benefit of those who want to learn of Philippines History, but have only 10 minutes time or less to read.

Here it is:

1521: Magellan discovered the Philippines. Lapu Lapu killed Magellan in Mactan, Cebu.

Lapu Lapu was the local “siga-siga” (the haughty one) and Magellan was the culture-shocked Westerner.

1565-1898: Three hundred thirty three (333) years of Spanish rule.  (Colonization Period)

Hundreds of rebellion  were waged by native “firebrands” in many parts of the archipelago. Not one succeeded. The rebels were either caught, garroted or simply ignored by the Spanish Commandantes.

The execution of Jose Rizal in 1898 was a traumatic experience for the Filipinos. The Katipunan did their battle heroics led by Bonifacio and later on by Aguinaldo. Meantime, an American general named Dewey, entered Manila Bay and defeated the Spanish navy. Aguinaldo reneged on the Pact of Biak na Bato (Broken Stone).  He resumed the revolution by proclaiming Philippine Independence on June 12.  The Filipino-American war broke out.  Aguinaldo was later captured and the war ends.

Population at this time is 8 million. The gap between the rich and the poor was 30% to 70%.

1901-1941: The Commonwealth Period under the Americans: The Americans brought with them democratic principles, education, transportation, constitutional rights, health, international trade and industrialization.  The Americans turned out to be good tutors. Filipinos went crazy over American brand products. Hollywood films made Pinoy males fantasize on Jean Harlow, Betty Grable and Mae West.  This is the time of “ Americanization of the Philippines and we call it Peace Time.

1941-Disaster: World War II and the American-Japanese War in the Philippines.

1945: MacArthur Returns and liberated the Philippines (from the Japanese).

1946: Philippine Independence from the Americans: July 4th

Population was 17 million and the dollar exchange was $1 to 2 pesos.

1947-1966: There was no peace at this time. A widespread communist rebellion led by Taruk and its band of guerrillas called Hukbalahaps ( Huks for short).

Six presidents were elected from 1947 to 1972, namely, Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Macapagal and Marcos.

Population this time was 27 million and the ratio of rich to poor is still 30 to 70.
During the 60’s the Maost communist try to overthrow the government. Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972 and assumed dictatorship.

Population was now 40 million and dollar exchange was $1 to 7 pesos.

In 1983, Ninoy Aquino, Marcos rival was assassinated upon his return to PI from US. Outrage and fury raged and rumbled like a tidal wave, and Marcus was forced to flee to Hawaii. People Power 1 was on!

1986, Cory Aquino, the widow of Ninoy was elected president. She was virtuous, sincere and full of good intentions, but nothing really good happened. Coup’s attempts by Honasan, power struggle and in fighting harassed the Cory administration. The gap between the rich and the poor remains the same. The dollar exchange rate was now $1 to 25 pesos and the population was now 65 million.

In 1992, Cory’s choice, Fidel Ramos and hero of People Power 1 was elected President. He was a terrific salesman for the Philippines, remove barriers to progress and the economy went on a roll.

In 1997, the Asian Economic crises struck. All of Ramos accomplishments evaporated and the poor remains poorer (And the Rich becomes Richer).

In 1998, Estrada an actor was elected President. For a while it was all right, until the Chavit Singson jueting scandal exploded. The impeachment trial serialized in TV was riveting. But the generals were unhappy and People Power 2 was on. Estrada was imprisoned and Gloria was in (in 2001). Hope was in.

In 2001, more economic catastrophies!. The pesos plummeted to horrifying $1 to 51. There are now 75 million Filipinos and the gap between the rich and poor remains the same (30/70).   When will this end? It has been more than 350 years, since Lapu Lapu ’s victory, 100 years since Rizal’s martyrdom and we are nowhere as a people or a nation.

We Filipinos have strengths and endearing values. We are Christians, God-fearing and peace-loving.

We are patient, tolerant to a fault. We are musical. We sing our blues away. We have a sense of humor.

We have also thousands, MBA, and Ph.D’s in economics and management from Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA etc.., but most of them are overseas. We have also a surplus of technocrats for nation building, but we have many shortcomings. We are immature in our politics. Given a choice between a movie star and a brilliant political scientist, we voted for the movie star.

We have many stupidities, like dogs, we pee on walls and tires (in public view). We drive like maniacs and our service quality is inferior (We do not answer our E-mails).  But this is the only country we’ve got. We live and die here. Will we ever see the dawn (of progress)?

Mahabagin Diyos, Nasaan Ka  Pinoy (Merciful God, where are you, Pinoy). The English translation is mine, Since I am not a Tagalog native, my translation may be incorrect!   Comments anyone?

Please note that the original article I received from my e-mail was 5 pages long and has a lot of funny commentaries in Tagalog. If you have not live in the Philippines and do not speak Tagalog, the commentaries may not appear humorous and irrelevant. I will be glad to forward the email if you want the 5 page original article.

Out of sight but not out of mind

Today’s Guest Post is from our old friend, Jim Cunningham.  Jim is an expat living in Talakag, Bukidnon, and has been a friend of LiP for many years already.  Thanks for your contribution, Jim.

Before leaving the North East of England to travel to the Philippines to take up permanent residence at the end of November last year 2008, our daughter Mariel had just returned from the Cook Islands in the South Pacific after taking part in Shipwrecked a reality TV show for Chanel 4 in the UK.

Mariel had informed us the previous July that she had been chosen from around 70,000 applicants to take part in the program and would be travelling to the location of the program in the Cook Islands at the beginning of August and staying there for around 12 weeks. You can imagine how we felt as she had not kept us in the loop regarding her new career in TV since she was still attending Stirling University taking a degree in Philosophy. Mariel has always been a frustrated actress from her days in the preschool drama class as well as primary school plays and pantomimes etc.

She even auditioned for a part in a Harry Potter movie without success some years ago, I might add.

So while Marilou and I were finalizing our plans to move to the Philippines the youngest member of the family was off to the other side of the world.

During the time she was in the Cook Island she was incommunicado so we did not have a clue what was going on apart from updates from Chanel 4 production staff back in London from time to time to inform us that she was well and enjoying herself.

Mariel returned to the UK two weeks before we left to travel to the Philippines and during her debrief over diner one evening she assured us she had been a good girl and only clever editing left the viewers imagination to run riot from time to time. She also informed us that the show would be screened on Chanel 4 from the beginning of February 2009 but since she was sworn to secrecy by signing a confidentiality agreement she could not tell us details about how the show ended so once again we were left in the dark.

Enter Mindanao Bob who after listening to our problem of not being able to watch the show from Talakag, Bukidnon where we live he said he would see what he could do to help. With Bob’s superior knowledge of internet communications and up to date software programs he was soon back with a solution to our problem. Bob was able to download the show from the UK episode by episode and burn them to a disc and send then weekly to us from Davao by LBC what a star.

When Marilou and I received the first two episodes from Bob it was close the door time and ignore everyone till we had finished the show with not a dry eye in the house. True to his word Bob has sent all the episodes by LBC on a regular basis and we have due to Mariels antics at times been glad that we are in Talakag and not back in the UK, but like she said before it’s all due to clever editing. (We hope).

The show is over now and Mariel had a whale of a time and is still doing modeling and PA’s as a result of her appearance in the show, but I don’t think she will end up in Hollywood.

The moral of this story is, beware all of you with children especially girls as it must be the influence of the pinoy blood that they wish to aspire to appearing on the big screen hahaha!

Once again Bob a big thank you for making Marilou and me extremely happy parents.

Moving down the road?

Today’s Guest Post is from Alan Cline, an American expat who currently resides in Cagayan de Oro City, in Northern Mindanao.  Alan has his own blog, and has also written guest posts here on LiP in the past.

The title sounds kind of like some country western song from the US I guess but you will notice it’s in the form of a question rather than a statement . That’s because my wife and I have been giving some serious consideration to re-locating here within the Philippines . We currently live in Cagayan De Oro and we have known for a while now that we would need to move from our present location so the question has not been if we move but where do we move to.

So , what is the big deal about moving ? In reality not much if you are just moving to another neighborhood within the same city but much more if you are considering re-location to another city as I have been considering . I had a long discussion with my wife last night about the possibilities and to my surprise she was much more open to the idea of moving to another city rather than just across town than I thought she might be as she has family in this area and I only have friends.

So I told her I had two possible locations in mind and even before I could get the names out of my mouth she said she would only consider Cebu or Davao . Cebu City because we have both spent time there and also because we have friends there as well . Davao City because my wife has spent time there in the past and was impressed with what she saw though I don’t believe she has visited within the past two years . But her preference is Davao.

Which leads to the basic thrust of this article being an attempt to form some on – line acquaintances with those living in the Davao City area and hopefully gaining some insights into why specific people have chosen Davao as their home . I have been researching the area on – line for some time now but there’s only so much you can learn about a place on – line . Official websites are a good place to start as are Real Estate Brokers and Expat Blogs but in the end I always find personal contacts to be the best sources of information.

Bob has been gracious enough to allow me to do this post within LIP in the hope there will be feedback in the form of comments and personal contact . So , if you live in the Davao City area I would really appreciate your feedback and especially your thoughts on why you chose that location . I realize not any place is perfect so please feel free to enumerate your insights from both the positive and negative view (if you have any).

I know how Bob feels and he should probably be made some sort of official host/greeter by the local tourism department and I have also had the pleasure of hooking up with Bruce via his blog . My wife and I would both very much like to here from as many others as possible . I apologize for not having a photo of us available for posting at the moment but since our computer crashed we don’t have one and in addition I am currently waiting for a new digital camera to arrive from the states . As soon as we get that we will update .

Driving License in CdO

Today’s Guest Column is from Jim Cunningham.  Jim is a long time  of LiP who recently relocated to the Philippines and is now enjoying his retirement in Talakag, Bukidnon.

Hi Folks- Before I start this story please bear in mind, I’m a British citizen with a UK driving licence.

We arrived at the LTO just before 9am on February 26th and went to the window and had our forms checked and were then asked to proceed to the Medical/Drug Testing facility escorted by an LTO official.

Medical and eyesight test, height and weight checked fee paid 100 pesos each.

Drug test next door paid 200 pesos each all finished before 10am and it had a steady queue of applicants.

Back to the LTO and handed in all paperwork and was asked to visit office of LTO Driving Licence Director who after exchanging pleasantries informed us that: the UK, Hong Kong and Brazil are the only countries in the world who do not allow their driving licences to be converted to Philippine licences. Well blow me down with a feather. I then ask the Director what can I do now he then explains the law saying we should apply for a Student licence which after one month (30days) we can reapply for a full licence which will be granted rather than wait out the full year of the Student licence if we don’t mind paying for our full licence within such a short period of time. He even informed us that we would not have to retake a Medical or Drug test as the lapsed period is only a month and he gave us back our results in order to resubmit in 30 days time.

We then submitted our papers again and were asked to have a photocopy of our last entry stamp taken which we did and were asked to wait to be called. Within about 10 minutes we were called to have our Photo taken and specimen signature then about another 10 minutes we were called again to pay the cashier 317.64 pesos each then 5 minutes later we were called to sign and receive our Student licences. We left the LTO car park just before 11am so total time taken just under 2 hours from start to finish.

Between us we have been driving for about 60 years to suddenly become learner (student) drivers again but that’s life in the tropics.

The LTO gave us new application forms for next months full licence application we will have to pay again for the full licence next time of course.

That is our story and I’m sticking to it, incidentally the whole process was painless apart from the revelation about the UK/Philippine non agreement to convert each others licences. By the way it’s not the Philippine Government who refuses to convert but instead the UK Government along with those of Hong Kong and Brazil, I would like to find out why this is so.

I have heard of the LTO retaining the foreign applicants licence before issuing their new Philippine licence on other group sites and now I may have the answer why.

On April 2nd we return to LTO in CdeO with our NP Driving Licence application forms duly filled out to be submitted.

We went to the first window at 8.15am and were then told to wait to be called for our photograph to be taken. We were called about 9am and had our photographs taken and our signatures recorded and told to wait till the cashier called us to pay our fees.

At 10.15am we were called to pay our fees 168 pesos for our “theory test” I thought are they joking or what. Joking utot, we were told to proceed to the Lecture Room and were shown a DVD about the do’s and don’ts of driving in the Philippines.

We were after the DVD show asked to sign a sheet and informed that the theory test would be at 1pm and could we come back at 12.45.

We then went to the LTO Canteen and had some lunch (oh dear) and after forty winks returned to await our theory test. We were asked do you wish to take the test in Bisaya, Tagalog or English and with not having Bob‘s expert knowledge of Bisaya language elected to take the test in English.
We were informed that to pass, you had to get 30 questions correct from 40 so let the ordeal begin.
At 1.15pm we started the test and at 1.30pm we were finished and hopefully had done sufficiently well to pass the test.

Not one to mess around I asked the OiC how we had done and since I was the only white man he asked me my name, I almost asked him to guess but thought I was tempting fate.

He came back soon with a big smile on his face and informed us we had passed, so far so good.

At 2.30pm we were asked to go to the cashier and wait to be called and at 3.30 we were called to pay our fees 417 pesos and then asked to wait for our licence and receipt.

At 3.55pm we were called and issued with our licences and at 4pm we left the LTO compound.
What an ordeal but without going through with it you cannot obtain a licence and therefore cannot legally drive.
So now Marilou and I can legally join the throng of Kamikaze drivers who ply the highways and byways that are the motoring routes of the Philippines.

So to anyone going through the same ordeal take a packed lunch, plenty of water and a book and just accept this as being the norm and if you complete the process sooner, consider it a bonus.

Announcement for British Citizens in Davao

Today’s Guest Post is information for British Citizens who live in Davao.  This was written by Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the British Consul in the Philippines.  This information was forwarded to my by LiP Reader John J.   Thank you, John, for passing this along for your fellow Brits in Davao.

Dear Resident of Davao

My name is Joanne Finnamore-Corkin and I am the Consul at the British Embassy in Manila. I plan to visit Davao next Tuesday/Wednesday 10/11 February. I am currently awaiting permission from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for my proposed trip.

Whilst in Davao I would like to meet with as many British Nationals as possible and have the opportunity to explain to you what the Consular Section of an Embassy can and cannot do. The meetings will also be an opportunity for those attending to ask questions. I am currently making enquiries with the Marco Polo Hotel and plan to have two or three separate meetings to allow as many as possible to attend. I will also allocate time for one to one meetings with British Nationals who have concerns relating to consular matters but do not wish to raise these in public. I should stress that I will not be able to answer any questions relating to visas or comment on any applications/refusals. My initial plan is to hold the group meetings on the night of Tuesday 10 February (around 8-9.30 – a bit late but I am constrained by flight times) the morning of Wednesday 11 (around 8-10) and, if  necessary at lunch time (12-1.30).

Due to the Data Protection Act, I am obliged to send this e-mail blind to you all. This is rather unfortunate as you will not be able to see who else it has gone to. All the addressees have been taken from LOCATE or an old list we had showing those who had registered with the Embassy. I would to meet as many people as possible and would therefore be grateful you would pass this message onto other British Nationals who you know. Please also stress that the meetings are open to all British Nationals, not just those who have registered.

I will be in touch again as soon as I have the green light for my trip as I would like to try and have a rough idea of the numbers involved. I hope to see you next week.

Best wishes,

Joanne