Feyma and I are thinking about moving. We are not sure yet, but it is on our minds. Where will we move? Not sure yet. We won’t be leaving Davao, but possibly moving somewhere else within the City. We currently live in a neighborhood called “Marfori Heights,” which is quite near to the main part of the City. Feyma and I both love living in Marfori Heights, we enjoy the area very much. So, why move? I will get into that shortly. To show how much we love this area, though, we lived in Marfori Heights back in 2002 until 2004, almost exactly 2 years to the day. We liked it very much, but unfortunately had a little trouble with our landlord. When that happened, we decided to move.
So, in 2005, we moved to an upscale gated community, Woodridge. Woodridge was nice. It’s a beautiful place with very modern homes, perfect streets (not a pothole in sight), a nice clubhouse with swimming pool and tennis courts. Everything was great. Only one problem, we didn’t really like the atmosphere. It was not the Philippines for us. It was more like living in the USA, which is not what we wanted. It was also somewhat far from the main part of town. So, after just one year there, we decided to move back to Marfori Heights again, in the house right next door to where we had lived previously. We like it here in Marfori.
There are several reasons why we have been thinking of a possible move. The first of these reasons started about 2 years ago, in 2007. A major bridge in Davao collapsed in 2007. It was a bridge on a major artery of the City, it connected the northern part of Davao with the southern part of the city. When that bridge collapsed, traffic had to be re-routed to use the remain three bridges, although they are smaller bridges than the one that collapsed. When the traffic was re-routed, part of the traffic ended up passing right in front of our house. Now, we are in a residential area, and there was very little traffic here before the bridge collapse. Kids could even play in the street, because there were so few cars. After the traffic was redirected through our area, it was so heavy that it could take 15 or 20 minutes just to pull out from the driveway. It became a major hassle. Luckily, in 2008 the bridge had been repaired. Traffic, however, never returned back to normal. People became accustomed to passing through this neighborhood as a “short cut” and many kept using this route. Traffic through our neighborhood had been permanently affected. To this day, traffic is a major headache where we live.
The next factor is that a neighboring lot which used to be vacant now has a sort of shack/house on it, and the people are loud. They have plenty of dogs, and occasional rooster (although I haven’t heard a rooster crow for some time now), babies, Karaoke nights with drunk friends, etc. Whatever is loud is something they will eventually start doing! Lately, they have started playing very loud disco and rap music every afternoon. It is mind wracking. I have resorted to wearing earplugs many days, or trying to go out and do my errands during this time of the afternoon. It is not a pleasant time of the day for me.
But, the biggest factor started happening about 2 or 3 months ago. Remember I told you about the house where we used to live next door? Over the years, the house is usually vacant. The owners are too hard to deal with as landlords (remember, that is why we chose to move). Unfortunately, a few months ago the house was sold to new owners. They have decided to turn the house into a preschool. Construction there has been fierce for several months now. They are basically rebuilding the house into a school, and it is loud. I can live with that, because such renovations would not last forever. Once it’s done, it’s done, right. However, think about it. Wait until school starts, very soon. You might have a couple hundred 3 and 4 year old kids next door. It is basically like 20 feet outside my office window. I can only imagine how loud it is going to be. Next, the hours when parents are dropping off and picking up their kids are going to add to the traffic. Even the construction people and school owners are already parking in front of our driveway, etc., making access to our house difficult. Add dozens of parents bringing their kids to school in the morning, and the same when pick-up time comes, and this might be totally unacceptable.
So, Feyma and I feel like the writing is on the wall. We have not started looking for a house yet, but it is something we have talked about a bit, saying that we need to get ready for such a move. I honestly hope that the school turns out to be much better than we are expecting, but I expect that is not a reasonable hope. Even if the school were to be OK, well, the traffic and the other neighbors are getting worse all the time.
Personally, I feel that I would like to stay in the Marfori area. I like it here. It feels like a neighborhood from 50 years ago. Friendly people, a community spirit, etc. Perhaps we could stay in the area, on one of the side streets (our place now is on the major street going through Marfori). Maybe a neighboring area? We will have to shop around a bit. We have a lease deal on this house that is still good for a year and a half. If we decide to move before that, it’s OK, but we will have to forfeit our security deposit. If the noise and hassles get worse, though, I don’t really have a problem with that. We’ll just have to wait and see.
A friend asked me the other day… Why don’t you go ahead and build a place now? Well, we are not ready for that yet. If we decide to live on Samal as has been our plan, well, the kids are still in school and commuting to the City for school is not really a good option. So, building a place is still a ways down the road for us. We’ll just have to watch developments and see if we do want to move, and then deciding where the right place is. I really don’t want to move, I just hope that staying here remains an option.
Hi Daryl – I must be mistaken… I thought you already lived in the Philippines. There really is no such thing as zoning and such here. Anybody can build virtually anything they want on land as long as they own it. Neighborhood consultation? 😆
Hi Bob – Well, this reaffirms the constant growth of Davao City, eh? I have yet to fully explore Davao, but I know what you mean. I love the city, too. Actually, each time I visit Davao, I feel more comfortable there than here in Chicago. I've become somewhat used to the noise [in Davao], but I agree some peace and quiet is in order. I wonder what other (unspoiled) areas of the city might you settle for. I enjoyed the area around NCCC Mall, but there's a lot of traffic there, too.
I wrote Feyma about my misgivings about my kids having to ferry-commute/"commutate" to the city for their daily classes from Samal, typhoon or not. Samal is just too tempting…….but, you first!
Hi Bob. So was there no town planning and consultation with the residents regarding the placement of the school? At least your a renter there and have the option to move. Noise is a constant issue in the country isn,t it, i,m pretty much used to it now but even some neighbours of mine complain about the karaoke and the tricycles sometimes, so i,m glad it,s not just me. and besides they tell me a change is as good as a holiday even if moving is a pain in the puete.
Hello Bob.Sorry to here about your problem.I myself stayed in s.i.r new matina for four months with my wife and her family.i loved being around all the kids and the people were great.But i had a tough time dealing with the noise,roosters at all times of the day,and dogs barking.The area is very crowded and many people keep pets that make noise.We moved to Samal and its a different world in a positive way .We love it.Good luck on your move.
um, i think i was one of those drivers using the shortcut. though, in my defense, i started using it when victoria plaza got built & made that highway busy. maybe used the horn too.i feel like i owe you good coffee or something.
ever thought about juna, bob? nice central location to walk or drive to & some areas have a good neighborly feel.
Dartl, I read this first column first thing this morning and I laughed so hard coffee almost acme out my nose (don't worry, Bob, it was cheap commercial coffee so no loss ;-). Town planning? Consultation of the residents? Gave me a good chuckle.
Buying or building a house here is fraught with more perils than just the anti-foreigner property laws.
A nursery school next door could indeed be a big traffic hassle. We often plan our routes here in the metro Manila area based on schools and not direct routes, because if you pass a big school during opening or closing hours? OMG what a mess that can be.
Loud Karaoke music (even after 10PM), barking dogs, roosters crowing (from 2AM to 4AM)and traffic noise are good reasons to move out, Bob! Good luck on your future move.
Hi Bob – Sorry to hear of the predicament. I don't think I could handle much more that the provincial life that awaits us next month. Sure, there are a lot of conveniences we'll sacrifice, but our needs are simple and we won't miss the "nice to have available" things. We do have an elementary school across the street (and a lot over, but close enough) – good thing I enjoy the sound of children. (Who knows, I might even find new playmates!) They really chirp when I'm outside a speak to them in my limited ilocano, but before I can tire of it, I'm usually "saved by the bell"! 😀
Stay in the area there as long as you need to, perhaps on a side street if you can find it. Leave Samal as your dream semi-retirement. It gives you something to look forward to enjoying.
Hi Bob
Lots of improvements have been going on at my place in the province
and I will get to see them next month, living in the province was write for me, the peace and serinity with no trafic has me feeling relaxed and stress free, I did have to give some luxeries but over all I can see growing old there.
Kamusta ka Bob,
Well, hopefully you can stay where you are, but if you can't, just take your time and find the best place for you all..especially convenient to the children's schools, and to the environment you and Feyma are use to.
No sense in building a house some where else, what happens a few years down the road, and you not like it there, for whatever reasons. Then you maybe stuck with a house, that you won't be able to get your investment back on, or worst renting it out..which can be a nightmare of its own.
Anyways, I have no fear, that Feyma and yourself will figure this out.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
PS. I am guessing when you made the Soup #5 video, you were in your backyard at the beginning of the video? If so, I noticed the traffic noise very clearly in that video. Is the same when I talk with Rose on the phone, when she is walking in Maasin City, but where her house is, is very quiet, with the occasional scooter, and rooster crowing. 🙂
Hi Henry – I really do love the City, and I believe there are great places to live in the City, but something is going to have to change! The traffic and school are major concerns here in our neighborhood. And… last night those neighbors had a big karaoke party! Oh my… they were very drunk, wild and loud. Unfortunately, I think we might have been a bit loud around 5am this morning… I sure hope it didn't wake them up, because I am sure they had bad hangovers! 😉
Hi Sesaria – We have always said that we would not live on Samal while the kids are still in school. Nothing has changed there. Typhoon? There has never been a typhoon in Davao, so that isn't even part of the consideration.
Hi James – Noise is indeed a major problem, and many of the noise making people don't seem to even care or think about the feelings of others. I'm glad you are enjoying Samal!
Hi macky – Juna… wow, the traffic is worse over there, though… mostly because of Ateneo, right? The traffic coming through Marfori is much worse now than you remember.
Hi Dave – Exactly right. I am very worried about traffic/parking situation when the school opens. I thought it would open this week, but it has not. Strange….
Hi David – Last night the karaoke music went WAY beyond 10pm, and it was a school night for the kids… I'm talking into the wee hours of the morning. I think that the karaoke woke up the roosters early too! 😆
Hi Paul – One thing about having a school out in the Provinces like that, though, is that most people out there don't drive cars, so you won't have a bunch of cars clogging up your driveway, blocking access to your house, etc. That is the main thing I worry about.
Hi James – The traffic is just getting to be such a hassle in Davao, and particularly in my part of town. It does create a lot of stress for me!
Hi Danny – You are almost right about the video… I was actually in my front yard! Ha ha… very close guess, though. 😉
Good luck on your house hunting Bob, my family moved out from Marfori, same street as yours, 2 years ago already and i know what you're talking about but some of my relatives are still there though.
I bought a house in Deca Cabantian, a low scale subdivision with wide roads but very small lots and houses. Got lucky though someone backed out on a two lots spot. Now my problem is how to make the house bigger but otherwise i really like my lawn. 🙂
Hi Rey – I think I know the subdivision that you are talking about… I'm pretty sure I've seen that. Oh, it makes me sad, because I really do love Marfori, though! 🙂
glad you had a laugh Dave, I was trying to be sarcastic. It works well for me as i can make furniture in my front yard and nobody says any thing! But at least i don,t use power tools.
I,m still amazed the construction guys in the photo have scaffolding! No bamboo down there? 🙂
Hi Daryl – Sorry… I also didn't realize that you were being sarcastic. That's the downside to online communications, it's hard to get the humor through.
Hi Daryl – Mostly we see bamboo used as scaffolding… I have also been amazed to see real scaffolding on the project next door!
oh, right. what was i thinking? my wife grew up in a house in juna, now the streets are just parking lots for ateneo (which i think sucks & that ateneo should feel obligated to build their own parking structure).
i'm a lanang guy, so sometimes i forget these things.
scratch that idea then.
Hi macky – You have that right… Juna is pretty much Ateneo's parking lot these days! Ha ha….. ADDU has a parking lot back where the high school is, but overall the lot is way too small, and the streets of Juna are filled with cars that should be parked at the Ateneo!
I didn't know you were living in Lanang! I had figured somewhere downtown, near your family base of operations, if you know what I mean! 😉
Wow…what a pain, I have to have some peace and quiet that noise shack would put me to the edge let alone the traffic. You've acclimated well weed hopper !!!
Hi Bob, I guess in some way or another residents here can relate to what you're saying. Even in the province, videoke loud and late into the night can sometimes get to you. Here at our house we have a small "family compound" surrounded by a pretty high wall, which makes somewhat of a garden refuge. The city is appealing for all the things that it can offer, but it's true zoning and traffic issues are the biggest problems. Sure we couldn't entice you up to Cebu City for a time before Samal?
Hi Brian – 😯 Yeah, I really need my peace and quiet too…. sometimes, though, that is not compatible with Living in the Philippines!
Hi queenie – I really did enjoy Cebu on my last visit. Feyma and I are going back in July too! But… we won't be living there for the foreseeable future. The kids will finish school in Davao, and then we may decide what our "retirement plans" are. 😆
Bob,
Aren't they not enforcing the noise ordinance in the city anymore? Maybe a call to the nearest police precinct might just do the trick. Who lives in that shack? Construction workers from next door?
I know what you mean about Juna being Ateneo's parking lot. Lanang is just way too far for you….What about the Dona Vicenta Village area?
Hi JB – No, the people living in the shack are not connected to that construction. They seem to have some kind of junk company, I'm not really sure. They have been living there for 2 to 3 years now, but are getting kind of unruly. Feyma and I are sort of hoping that others might complain… we think it would be better for the complaint to come from a Filipino than a foreigner… 😉
Yeah, Dona Vicente could be a possibility. I really want to stay where we are, though… we will see how it works out. Traffic is the thing that I think might push us over the edge, though.
I would enjoy living out in the country. Maybe on Mt. Apo away from the humidity, and the hustle bustle. I use to live in San Francisco, and enjoyed it until I moved away. While visiting friends in S.F it always seemed hectic, and rushed after moving away. I did not like returning to the city except to visit a few favorite restaraunts. I want to look out, and see the beauty of the Philippines. Not the masses, and pressure of what a city brings.
I have also entertained Bagiuo, Sagada, or Banaue. I have found them extremely beautiful, and the weather cool. For now it will most likely be Davao, because that's where Melanie's family is at, and the marina being built out of the typhoon zone.
Your kids appear to be old enough to deal with the commute. If it were me, and I was financially ready I would build, or begin to build on Samal. I have spent several weeks there, and thoroughly enjoyed it. BEST WISHES in bringing some peace, and quiet into your lives……i2f….John
Bob take a look at the spot where Marlou lived. It is 14 Jade. There is an excellent larger home that is rented out by the owners. I found these land lords to be exceptional and I know you would enjoy dealing with them. The house is modern and the last time I saw it the condition was excellent. I remember that it was offered to me at one point for 24K per month. I would imagine that has changed but its a base line to consider. The house had some turn over in regards to tenants while Marlou lived there so it might be an option. If someone wonders why we did not rent it-we didn't need the space and rented one of the new units that share the compound for 12K per month. I remember the congestion building up near your house so I am not suprised that it has gotten worse. Good luck in your search. Ron
No typhoons? Yes, I remember! That's a big draw for us typhoon-weary Tagalogs. All the more reason to consider Samal, when the time is good for us….
Hi John – Thanks for your comment. No… we won't live on Samal at this time. It won't work for the kids, regardless of age. Think about this… the boys have to be at Ateneo by 7am, maybe 7:15. Right now, they leave the house around 6:40. If we lived on Samal, they would probably have to leave the house by 5:30am or so, depending on ferry traffic, maybe earlier. My son who just started high school gets out of school at 4:30pm. If we lived on Samal he wouldn't be home until probably 6:30pm. So, in other words between school and commute time, that is a 13 hour day for a 12 year old kid. Ain't gonna happen. Even if Samal were to be paradise for me… I would never submit my kid to that. I do appreciate your suggestion, though.
Hi Ron – Yeah, Marfori has changed a lot since you visited here a few years ago. It is much more congested now compared to then. I might have to do some checking into the place that you mentioned. Sounds like it could fit the bill.
Hi Sesaria – It's not only Samal that is typhoon free, but all of Southern Mindanao, and even much of Northern Mindanao. 😀
Please try to keep Cebu in mind!
Hi Bob
Your patience never ceases to amaze me. It's a shame that neighborhoods sometimes change for the worse. Hopefully you can find another house in the same area that is more to your liking. Good luck.
Hi Bob – I told my wife about my Juna suggestion faux pas. A good chuckle there. Though she did say that the Juna area further away from Addu (Tulip Drive area), shouldn't be too bad. I also have a few friends living there (one of them was renting homes to expats).
On living near our family biz: Oh, I am so very much a Lanang guy. That's the area of Davao that I most identify with. My folks still live there. a bit tucked away but not in a subdivision nor an exclusive area.
Lanang's also a good area if you want proximity to the beach, but as you know, it's bit further from downtown especially if you like your city walks.
Here's a strange trivia: You (and a few of your friends) might have actually been in the house I grew up in & didn't know it! 😉
Hi queenie – 😉
Hi Ron – Ha ha… some might argue that my lack of patience is amazing! 😉
Hi macky – That area over around Tulip Drive is getting to be a traffic problem now too… problem is that a lot of people (myself included….) use Tulip to go to SM now, Tulip Drive has become a rather major thoroughfare.
Hmm… I may have been in your childhood house before? Now you've piqued my interest! Come on… tell me more!
hi bob – ok, another clue. pops sold the house around 2 years after i moved to the US (to moms displeasure 😛 )…. and is now a launching pad to a samal resort (that you said a year ago, that you haven't been to yet).
Hi macky – is it in Lizada Village?
Hey Bob!
I can think of few things that are worse than listening to hundreds of energetic preschoolers screaming at once or a household of neighbors straining their vocal chords with pets howling them on in the background:
1. The sound and aroma of the dental drill at work
2. A tax audit
3. Having to use the restroom (or CR) during prayer
4. Tossing out an old mattress filled with a million dollars cash
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/10/isr…
Just my thoughts… 🙂
Junior
Bob…next trip to Cebu take 2 days and go to Bohol,its a short 1.7 hr fast cat ride to Tagbilauren, get a place on Pangalo (Aluna beach area ) rent a motor bike ($3 usd per day) and check it out , in my hummble opinion its one of the best places to relax in the RP nice roads..little traffic out of the city, lush, quiet and clean.
Hi Junior – Ha ha… so in other words, there are a few thing worse than the kids, but not many! Ha ha…
Yeah, I heard about that mattress yesterday… oh my, what a sad day that lady must have had!
Hi Brian – Feyma and I are going to Cebu in July. We had toyed with the idea of going to Bohol at that time, but decided to put it off for the next trip. I am looking forward to that, though, as is Feyma. Feyma's father was a Boholano, and it's been years since she was in Bohol.
Hey Bob!
LOL. Kids are treasures! However, some neighbors….
With regard to the million dollar mattress, the mother had the most admirable attitude. I hope every Shekel is returned to her.
Junior
Hi Junior – I hope she gets it back too… and I kind of think she will. 😉
yep, lizada beach. you got it.
never really knew it as lizada village, in that part anyway… the boundaries are all informal in that area. never even had a street number (or street name for that matter 🙂 ). but it's safe, secluded & nondescript.
it's a maze in there. i remember riding my bike as a kid & discovering new turns (i was a curious traveller even then). got lost a few times too.
Bob,
That's a lot of hours for the kids, and now I understand. BEST WISHES in finding the right place for your family……i2f….John
Hi John – yeah, school works a little different here. 😀
thats the philippines no zone control anything goes,its the same in cebu and mandaue city .disco music untill 3am. church mass with a loud speaker all the time !karaoke costantly,stumbling drunks knocking over garbage cans and argueing,dogs constanly barking,chickens making noise,people burning toxic plastic and rubber garbage!traffic diesel fumes ,people walking up to you and trying to hustle something all the time!people pissing in the street! thats all over P.I. unless you move out to the province or back to the sub division thats the philippines everywhere!
Hello mike – Well, there are certainly plenty of problems to face in the Philippines, just like there are problems in every other country in the world.
Hi Bob- Marilou and I think you and Feyma would just love Talakag hahaha!
Best wishes from tranquility.
Jim.
Sir BoB, if you ever need to go away and find peace and tranquility, go to Bohol for a week, just go.
Hi Boss – I have heard that Bohol is a great place for some relaxation! It is a place I have not visited yet, but would love to go.
Hi Bob-First of all, it`s always a pleasure to read your articles on your blog and website. Thanks for putting so much time into this.
I feel sorry that your old neighbourhood has become so much problems for you and other neighbours. It must be such a problem for your family. I do hope you will find a solution that will help your loved ones soon.
I`m just getting started on my journey of becomming an expat in the Philippines. My fiancee lives in Las Pinas City and I`m planning to start living in the Philippines within a couple of years. I`ll be in the PI late September/early October. We will use our time together to check out some of the parts in this beautifull country to get a better plan where we like to live in the future. This upcomming holiday we`ll check out Baguio City. Any information however is welcome.
The best of luck to you and your family Bob.
Regards and God bless you.
Adrie.
Hi Adrie – Thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated. I hope you have a great time when you visit the Philippines! Baguio is supposed to be quite nice, and I think you will have a blast there! Good luck! If you make it down south to Davao, give me a shout!
Hi Adrie – I'm looking forward to it!
but i love it
Hi mike – Yeah, me too…. I can't help it!
hey Bob come up to my place in talasay. no barking dogs unless a stranger shows up at the gate or crowing chickens ..karioky can't get any louder then mine does..only nose that is obnoxious is the buses that travel the highway(beeping horns)..we have zoneing laws and a building inspector too and you can walk around on the road an not get run over .. 🙂 .. kids walk to school too ..great neightbors too ..really laid back just like back home ..Phil n Jess
Hi Phil – You must be settling in by now! So, you're inviting us up to the northern part of Mindanao? Ha ha… You know, I've been to that area before. You never know, I may come rolling into town anytime! But, if I moved in… you might decide that it's too many Kano's and you might leave. If that happened the whole place would go down a notch! 😯
Bob, I haven,t talked to you for awhile, because I was injured on my job, and I'll be off work for 3 more weeks. But I am doing okay, so much so that the rest of the family are visiting Davao city right now. My wife, 10 year old son, and baby daughter are there now. They are going to celebrate my inlaws 50th wedding anniversary. Anyway, I am not sure that you will ever completely rid the noise. Living in the "Barrio" is the best, though. I guess that we should feel lucky, living in Buhangin. The worst is the airplanes. And that one annoying "watchdog". Every night like clockwork, 3am, starts barking. Problem is, the owners never wake up! Some watchdog! These people could be robbed blind! Anyway, we all have have our crosses to bear… Good luck deciding on a new place.
Hi stevo – I'm sorry to hear about your injury, but I'm also happy that you are doing OK, though.
Noise is ubiquitous in the Philippines, but not the level of noise that we are experiencing right now!