Today, let’s look at another City where expats might want to call home! Let’s travel to Bukidnon, in Central Mindanao and make a virtual visit to Malaybalay City. Before we get started, let me say that Bukidnon is one of my favorite parts of Mindanao! It’s a beautiful place, and most of the province is in the Mountains. Bukid, in Bisaya, means Mountain, so that is where “Bukidnon” got it’s name! I spend time in Bukidnon as often as I can!
For today’s column, I interviewed Nick Nichols. Nick has a consulting business here in the Philippines called Asian Energy Advisors. Nick is a regular reader of this site, and a former resident of Davao City, and the USA before coming here. I’ve known Nick for a few years, although it has been a while since we’ve seen each other in person. Nick tells me that he has been living in Malaybalay for about 10 months now! From everything I can tell, he likes living there very much!
Nick says that a high end rental house in Malaybalay would probably go for about P20,000 per month. Although he didn’t give a low end, based on my own personal experience, I would guess that you could find a place as low as P5,000 or even less per month. Remember, this is a small town, so Nick advises that you will find a few simple restaurants, not a lot more. No malls, fitness centers and such. If you move to Malaybalay, you are looking at living a simpler life.
The cost of living in Malaybalay is generally low. You’ll pay about P120 for a Lechon Manok (roasted chicken).
For transportation, you won’t find any taxis in town, but Jeepneys (actually Multicabs) and tricycles are readily available. For longer distance travel by air, you will need to drive about 2 1/2 hours to get to the nearest airport.
Nick says that there are a number of foreigners living in Malaybalay, but most of them keep a fairly low profile. There are not really any regular gatherings of foreigners in town. The people in town are friendly, though, and Nick never feels that he is in any danger in the area.
For recreation, you won’t find beaches in the area, remember that you are in the mountains! What you will find, though, are cooler temperatures – the climate is very pleasant and cool. Nick says that they never use air conditioning at their house! Now, that would save a little money on the power bill. Speaking of electricity, Nick says that currently there are numerous brownouts, but that it is due to some upgrading of the electric lines in the area, and brownouts should fade when this work is done.
If you are looking for imported goods to keep you in your eating habits from back home, Nick cautions that imported goods are generally not available in Malaybalay. He says that a trip to the City (CdO) would be the best way to get such items.
Cable TV is available in town. I happen to know that Nick also has broadband (DSL) for his internet, although I believe that his service is not always good.
For me, I believe that Malaybalay would be a bit small for a place to live. However, for a getaway place, it would be great! I particularly enjoy the nice weather there, and the rural atmosphere!
I have friends who lived in Malabalay for about 10 years, and we used to spend Christmas break up there every year when the kids were with us. The Pine Hills Hotel has a nice, rather upscale restaurant, and the original Roadhouse is not far up the road (maybe 16 km?) going to Valencia. Some of our friends who lived in the area used to enjoy mountain biking on the dirt roads that run along the extensive irrigation canals.
I will echo Bob's last paragraph above.
Malaybalay since I can remember served as a way station for travel between Cagayan de Oro and Davao. It also served as 'warehouse' town for all agricultural products from Central Mindanao on their way to again Cagayan de Oro or Davao.
There was a steep trajectory of development of Malaybalay in the 50's and the 60's as it became the capital of Bukidnon but somehow because of too much political heat and maneuvering in the city (being the seat of the provincial government) and the eventual fall of the Fortich political dynasty, investors gave up on the city and most moved to Valencia. Malaybalay used to have a busy airport but after two or three plane crashes from heavy fog Philippine Airlines stop flying there in the late 60's.
Unless one is really into serious farming or livestock raising and be willing to live off the land and enjoy it well, I will just do the same with Malaybalay as Bob is doing- a way station on the way to travel between Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
A night or two to soak up the silence, the solitude, the crisp thin fresh air (bring lotions/SPF 90 as your skin will tend to scaling due to low humidity), the morning fog, the chicken soup made from freshly caught chicken, the real freshly brewed coffee (coffee just harvested, dried, peeled, roasted and ground), etc—will be enough.
Malaybalay still has a hint of the wild wild West so a low profile demeanor is important.
Also there are still sporadic reports of malaria and schistosomiasis…to consider.
(Disclaimer: My observation above is good 15 years ago so feel free to bring it down if things have changed…I doubt it though).
Hi AmericanLola – I was thinking that Roadhouse was a little further than that, but I could be mistaken. I think that Malaybalay would be ideal for a place to spend Christmas!
Hi Dr. Long – I love the morning fog in Bukidnon. It reminds me of home. Fresh coffee…. hmm… I may have to go visit Bukidnon ASAP! 😆
hi
its 18 degress here……baking on the beach At Paradise Island is more my cup of tea…er….Tanduay!
Yes Bob, just like driving down the Pacific Coast Highway never drive up to Bukidnon before 9 A.M. specially if it rained the night before. Those bus and truck drivers are maniacal in the heavy fog.
I miss the real freshly roasted coffee (roasted on a wok made of cast iron). I'm sure you can ask some of the old folks there who know how to do it. There's nothing like it. Also ground coffee should be boiled in water for 8-10 minutes. Let it stand for 2 minutes. Don't filter. Just decant. Good coffee(Robusta/Arabica) has a natural hint of chocolate in it.
Hi brian – Ha ha… I understand that! After getting in the heat for a while, though, a short respite in a cooler climate (I didn't say COLD! 😆 ) is nice for a change, though!
Hi Dr. Long – I generally go up to Bukidnon at 5 or 6 in the morning so that I can savor the fog on part of the trip. It just makes me feel comfortable to see the fog in the mountains.
Yes!!….That sounds like wonderfull coffee….Here in the west we call that sheephearders coffee…boil water in a can or pot and throw in some coffee and maybe a pinch of salt and let it all boil good and then throw in a little cold water and it settle the grounds and bingo you got coffee that will wake any body up…or keep u up…….
Hi Dan – Sounds great! 😡
Hi Dan, If I have the time and can afford the leisure of having the "sheephearder's coffee" I prefer it anytime. I have never found an espresso machine or a French press that can come close to it.
Hi Bob- The first time I visited Malaybalay was in 1984 and it was quite a small city then for the Provincial Capitol. Marilou had two uncles who both worked for the provincial government and they invited us to visit the Capitol Building for a tour. Following the tour we drove to the Monastery for a visit and drive. Whilst in the Monastery the uncle we were with who was driving a goverment vehicle told us about such vehicles being ambushed by the local nice people around (NPA) well if I could have got a taxi back to Malaybalay I would have taken it.
Of course I have been back several times since the last time being this April and always enjoy going there. The road has deteriorated in some bits and needs repairing.I would like to visit during the Kaamulan Festival.
Hi Jim – Wow, 1984. I can imagine the dusty streets and can almost see the cowboys on horses riding through town! I bet it was quite a place back then!
hi! it's interesting to see these comments on malaybalay and its environs from fresh eyes.my family comes from malaybalay and i studied there until i left for college. malaybalay is great, it is safe and the people are friendly. as for ameneties, well, there's a small gym/cafe near the capitol site, and if you're up for it, theres a group of horsemen who go on weekend rides. as for the expats, i think they like the slow pace. they can drive 4 hours to davao or 2 hours to cagayan de oro if they want to shop, hit the beach or just have the night out. if you're interested in horses or just want to take to the saddle, ask about the malaybalay horsemen association at the office of the mayor and they'll help you get in touch with the se guys.
Hi tala rayos – thanks for the tips! I think that the horseback riding is something that a lot of expats would enjoy! I appreciate your leaving the comment with so many good ideas! 😀
Hello to everyone!
Way back 15 years ago or so Malaybalay was quite more of a cowboy style town. I remember our neighboor who was a cowboy of a middle class farmer used to drove his big quarter horse across the downtown and parked it outside the movie house FARO cinema.
Hi kris ybarra – Ha ha… I haven't seen anybody riding horses in the streets of Malaybalay, but I do believe that it was that way not so many years ago! I do feel that Malaybalay still has a "cowboy town" feel to it. I like it!
Hi Bob. FYI. A little south of Malaybalay—Central Mindanao University (Musuan, Maramag) holds a rodeo once or twice a year.
Hi Dr. Long – Yep! I've been to CMU many times, it is a nice little campus they have there. Great Ag school from what I hear.
Hi Kris Ybarra- The late owner of Faro cinema was our friend and I used to hang out there. I do remember a horse being park outside the cinema. Your name sounds familiar. Marilou
Hi Bob. Another FYI. For those from CDO who wants horsebackriding—they have a good one across the Del Monte Golf Club House in Cawayanon. It costs P300 for an hour ride (pay at the club house).
Hi Doctor Long – Ah yes.. another place where I go often! Good advice on that!
I've had several foreign friends who have lived in Bukidnon … and I've never heard a bad word about it. Filipinos from the north would consider it very dangerous … but then those from Mindano would probably consider the remote areas of Luzon dangerous … and both are right and both are wrong.
The Manila government does not really have "control" of most country districts … live away from metro areas and you may well get a knock on your door asking for a "contribution" or an "agricultural tax". Never heard of a foreigner coming to any harm … I have a retired UK general officer friend who lives less than 40 miles from here in the mountains, my wife still hasn't agreed to let me visit … too dangerous, you see. Bukid means farm .. or is understandable as 'farm" in both Tagalog and Illicano and mich of Bukidnon is 2500 or so feet above sea level and thus going to be cooler than almsot all the cities which are nearly6 at sea lkevel … Baguio being the notable exception.
There's ecellent coffee grown in cavite and batangas too, just south of the Metro manila area … there's a town in Cavite … Amadeo …which had an active "adopt a farm" program a few years back where investors could have control over coffee lands on a long term lease for very little money, in return for paying the labor to plant and care for trees and keep the and in coffee production rather than being sold for yet another housing development. I have it on my list to drive over there and see if it is still in operation … one of these days now.
these two maps may help for people following this series: http://preview.tinyurl.com/28dmam
This is all the airports … not just the ones with scheduled airline service.
and this one: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yqar67
shows all the SM malls … if you click on the map and then click on "Philly's Home" you'll see exactly where our little place in Marilao is.
I like that u are thinking such very good comment about my country. many thanks
Hi Dave – Down here, where most people speak Bisaya, Bukid means "Mountain."
Hello , I am a Texan now and I live in the border city of the Rio Grande Valley. I think you forgot to mention that Malabalay have the best Educational Instiutions in Central Mindanao. Bukudnon State College is now a University. I thnink what is most memorable thing I have IN Malabalay was the Folk Huse named Donovan's( OWNED BY TOTO AND LINDA VALMORES), well of course my husband's band SALABAT( MARIO) playing the best of America, Crosby S and Y , etc., of course who can ever forget POPOY,RENEE,TEDANTS,BOY BORRES,GENES,CALES,MINGGOY,ROMEO CABIGAS JEROME AND THE CUDAL'S. THE YOUNGER SINGERS THEN WERE THE CALLAO BROTHERS AND ALL OTHER SINGERS IN THE 80'S ! WOW . How Nostalgic!OH MALAyBALAY!If onLy we could go back in time right? THE MOST ROMANTIC P LACE EVER! BUKIDNON MY HOME!
Hi Thelma Macas – Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment. It sounds like you have a very musical family there!
Hi Thelma Macas- Before your time it was known as Bukidnon Normal School—the premier producer of preparatory school teachers for all of Mindanao.
If you go to most Elementary Schools in Bukidnon, The Lanaos, Northern Cotabato the Agusan Porvinces— the old teachers and most likely the principals are products of the Bukidnon Normal School—your Bukidnon State College and now the Bukidnon State University.
Then again, you know all that.
I just want to echo that indeed Malaybalay is a very romantic place to be….with some people's younger days. 😳
Hello Marilou,
Kris Ybarra is just my psuedo name I got from the immortal novel of our own Dr. Jose Rizal's Noli Mi Tangere personafied by Rizal himself Crisanto Ibarra. How I wish I used this name in writing articles sincle I love reading but never been a good writer. I actually hailed from Malaybalay and have a strong roots and fond memory back there. We have a house in Sumpong and close to it where was once a busy thoroughfare for the small and middle scale farmers leading to their respective farms just across the Sawaga river.
The vast land northwest of Mlbly all the way to the foot of the Kitanglad ranges was once ruled by subsistence farmer. That land was so rich of variety of farm products. But as time changes and due to strong economic and infrastracture developement such as good farm roads and bridges the hills where once occupied by this small hardworking farmers where sold to the bigtime landlords and corporate, where they turn this land into a highly commercialized farming area.
The once diversified farm land has evoled into a monotonous landscape of sugarcane plantations interpersed with banana plantation and ubiquitous chicken and hog farms. Big corporation had took there share too.
I find nothing wrong with this development but I just simply miss the cows and the carabaos pulling their waggons, the horses the simple farmers and the cowboys, plying in front of our house. I could hear the waggon's wheel scretches, the hoofs stumping and the farmers authoritative commands on their domisticated best to avoid muddy potholes as early as 4 o'clock in the morning.
I could not say that they are totally gone by now but some are struggling to stay the way they are thanks to the high price of lands now a days.
Oh! thanks by the way for the great effort you and Bob spend for this incredible site you guys silently touch the hearts of so so many people her and around the world by bringing sweet memories for those who are attached to the land and for the info you provide to the visitors. The captured moments you have posted brings a lot of meaning to us.
By the way I bumped a blog about a farm in Manolo Fortich and I find it interisting, maybe people who wants to see and know more about it can click on this page http://gypsysoul73.blogspot.com/2007/08/finding-g….
Keep posting pics ha?
Hi kris – Wow, I visited that Gypsy Soul blog about the farm house in Manolo Fortich. How beautiful! Thanks for sharing that!
For Anyone that knows about Malaybalay
I met a lady that lives in Malaybalay and she told me recently there have been anti-government uprising in the areas by anti-gov gorilla groups. Does anyone know if that is true. She said it is dangerous for her to email me due to this going on.
sincerely,
Stephen
Hi Steve – I know Malaybalay very well. It is true that there is some NPA activity in the area, but that can be said for any area in the Philippines. The NPA activity that is present is quite minimal, though. "Dangerous to e-mail you" – I think that your friend is making up a story here…. sorry.
For Bob,
Thank you Bob. I want to ask you please. My friend's name is Magdalene Ruiz Lavezares. She says she has a yonger brother named Miguel and and a younger sinster named Maria. Below is her stated address. She has told me she has been in Manila reviewing to take the Nursing Exam for about 2 weeks now and is scheduled to take the exam in a couple of days, i.e. 30 or 31 Jan. She also says her friend Lenny (see email below) has been in Manila with her reviewing to take the nursuing exam as well. Today I received the below email from Lenny. I need to somehow veriy if what Lenny is saying is the truth or not. I recently obtained some money and I sent Magdalene some and i need to ensure she is not trying to just obtain more money from me in a dishonest way. If you know anyone in Malaybalay that can confirm to me i.e. take a picture of the house, get me a newspaper clipping, etc and email me back and let me know if what has happened is true, i would be very appreciative. Also if you know of anyone i can call there in Malaybalay to confirm what is said below, I would appreciate that as well or any info that can help me confirm this. Thank you for your emails Bob.
sincerely,
Stephen
stephen…this is lenny, magda's friend and roomate here in the dorm. this is to inform you that magda rushed back home to malaybalay this noon because my mother called here informing magda that a gas explosion in their kitchen burned down their house in malaybalay. after receiving the call, magda was very upset and disturbed, thats why she decided to go home immediately because her brother was hurt. we dont know yet the details. and magda was crying after that. i tried to console her but she decided to go home asap. as of now i dont know if she was able to board to plane since there was no reservation but the landlady suggested to just go there at the airport to check. magda told me to email you (after giving your address) and she said she will email you there in malayblay or cagayan de oro upon arrival. i lend her my 80$ for her fare becasue she needed it badly. fyi.
leonila reyes
Magdalene Ruiz Lavezares
Prime Rose Street
Capitol Heights Subdivision
Malaybalay City 8700
Bukidnon, Philippines
Hi Steve,
My name is Brian. According to Magda’s e-mail to me for help, the house burned in early September of 2007. She sent me pictures of it but now that I look at them, she’s not in any of them. I sent her money for Miguel’s funeral.
I know it’s probably too little too late for information of any use, but you could help me out by letting me know what the real deal is also. She never mentioned having a roomate named Lenny. Oh well, go figure.
Brian
P.S.
Check out my other comment in this column Steve.
Brian
Hi Steve – Your friend is full of adventurous stories. First, she said it is dangerous to send e-mails in Malaybalay, now her kitchen exploded. Frankly, it sounds like a made up story to me, maybe an attempt to get some money out of you.
If you want this to be checked out…. I will go there and check for you, if you are willing to pay for my time. Please understand that this would be a full day trip for me to go check it out and come home, so I can't offer to do it for free. If you are interested, please e-mail me privately.
I am planning on relocating to live in Malabalay City, to live with my wife to be there…who is from Cagayan de Oro City. She suggested living in Malabalay…I have one question:
1. What should I pay for a 100sqm house? (Are there average prices for houses there?)
Since I have no knowledge of Philippino real estate, I cannot guage whether I am being ripped off or whether the price is right.
Hi Ian – Your question is practically impossible to answer. A 100 sqm house can range in price from very low to very high. For example, if it is constructed of nothing but native materials (like a payag or nipa hut) you could probably get that for P50k or less. If it is made with all marble walls, and such, with the finest imported fixtures and such, maybe it is P10 Million or more. If it sits on a mountaintop with a spectacular view it is more. If it sits on squatted land that is very poor land, it is very inexpensive. You see what I mean? To know nothing but the size of what the house is, that makes it almost impossible to know what the value might be.
Hi Bob,
I'm just surfing in the internet searching for a website with some information on buying a house in Malaybalay. Do you know any or do you information about buying a house in Malaybalay?
kind regards,
Geraldine
Hi Geraldine — I'm sorry but I don't have any ideas for houses for sale in the area. When you say "information" about buying a house, what exactly are you looking for?
Hi Geraldine,There is very little info about Malaybalay on the net,even less on property,as its a small town.I can tell you from my experience of Malaybalay that something like a new/ modern concrete built Duplex,2 bed, single storey house and lot generally costs @ $20-30k depending on neighborhood, upwards for larger property,slightly cheaper if a few miles outside town.You will rarely see property there advertised or on the net.Best way is to visit the town and ask at Capitol building,someone will always know where there are properties for sale,regards Chas.
Nice to see this website by accident. Around Jan 10, 2009 I'm relocating from here in Los Angeles over into your P.I. Was told to start in Angeles City since I know noone I've not met 1st here online. Or consider Subic Bay for good housing and many foriegners.
I'm a pensioner and hear my modest income will go FAR in the P.I. Don't wanna be forced into marriage just for immigration papers, but maybe I'll fall in love (weekly), who knows? So to read this about the various areas tells me that as a "city boy" I won't be staying in Malaybalay, not even for the fresh coffee 😆
I've gotta have my internet radio, build my web sites, visit internet cafe's and go out where the crowds are having fun. What would a single man like me do in Malaybalay for entertainment?
Thanks again for this conversation. On http://www.blossoms.com I've been contacted by almost 100 filipinas and need to decide where I'll reside. I'd love to become an expat, and hear for only $400 I can become a citizen. Or pay the BI $263/yr to keep renewing my visa. But January 10th will be here soon and I'm on my way over to your country.
Hi DoctorMason – Sorry, a lot of what you have heard is simply not true. $400 to become a citizen? There is no such thing. Becoming a citizen is actually difficult to do.
Personally, I would not recommend Angeles City, but all of our tastes are different.
im actually planning to move in malaybalay city. i just want to know in what certain location im malaybalay should i rent a house which is near to bukidnon state university and at the same time not very crowded..tnx
Im from New York and have spend time in Malaybalay for last 2 summer's 07 and 08 and will be there again this summer. MB is a great place and very peaceful. There was an incident today in the news but it could be just rumours. I have met pleny of american's there. Missionary's or men married to filipinas. There are quite a few great restaruants. Any you can rent a house there anywhere from 2500 peso to 6000 for a nice house. I am sure you could pay more but why bother. MB has a nice church the head of the diocese calle Saint Isodores (saint of the farmer) that is at Rizal's Plaza on Fortich st. or the Main Highway, there are also bakeries the fire station,library a few restaruants, gas station and Gaisansano's market where you will find everything you need. It is a small town but the people are very friendly there , I feel more at home there then in NY or on Long Island. Bob's info has helped me tremendusly and now it feels like when Im here in NY that now I'm in the foreign country , I can't wait to go back.
Hi, just want to say – Malaybalay is my favorite place in the world! If anyone knows of a property (at least 1,000 sq.m.) for sale there, please let me know. Preferably near the town center, and with a good view of the mountains. Thanks!
I am very glad to read the comments about Malaybalay. I was born in a little barrio not far from downtown.I went to high school in San Isidro College. I always go home almost every year to visit.Love the place can’t forget how pretty it is….There are many places around town that still remain unknown to the public that I think very interesting for new comers to visit. Explore the beautiful Malaybalay City and the neighboring barrios…Kaamulan is fast approaching, I heard the native villages are now getting build…
Hi Monette – Malaybalay is a great place. I am hoping to make it for Kaamulan this year!
is there a place where i could go camping? Im planning to stay there overnyt in route to davao..but i wantes to stay in my tent..hehe
hi im adlemi.. i was born in quezon bukidnon, i live in malaybalay city at barangay impalambong. when im married, i live in the home town of my husband in mangaldan,pangasinan. almost 6 years hindi na ako nakauwi.. i try my best to visit to back home. i tell you until now malaybalay city is a very very peaceful place to live , the weather is good, and all the residents are friendly. the place is very good atmosphere. i miss the kaamulan festival during the month of april. i miss you malaybalay…more power and bless….To God be the Glory.
Hi, Bob, please tell Lelia that I know of a lot here just around 15 minutes from the city. It's around 500pesos (Philippine Money) per square meter. She can buy a 1,000 square meter or a 2,000 square meter lot. It has a lot pine trees and really a cool area. I am presently here in malaybalay city. this is my native land. I am also looking for someone who could invest in a school for poor children. If she is interested, she can email me and ask more information about me and the lot I am suggesting that she can buy.
I'd been there to Malaybalay twice in 1994 and stayed at Benedictine Monastery. I could say that the place was most ideal for retirees because of the simplicity in living. I like the serenity of that place.
Hi Gil – That's great to hear. I've always liked Malaybalay myself. I've been to the Monastery and it's a beautiful place.
Malaybalay City… City of cool weather with warm people! There is no place like home. I can say Malaybalay taday, is doing fine in terms of business and leisure. Few months from now Gaisano Mall Malaybalay (a 4-level building, around 2 heactares of gross floor area) will be opened and surely this would add to some of the few reasons why still, malaybalay is a great destination for retirees and those planning to have short-term vacation away from the bustling lifestyle of the metropolis! Come and explore the simplicity of living…Visit Malaybalay!
Hi juacs – Yep, indeed Malaybalay is a City of cool weather! I suspect that they people are warm too, at least they have been in my experience. I hope to visit again soon!
Hi,
I will be staying in malaybalay city for 1 year. Naturally I am nervous about living in this area regarding things to do, internet connection, safety..etc
I have not been to mindinaoat all nor to the philippines for 7 years. I am from australia. I would like to make contact with expats that might be able to help me integrate. Can anybody help?
An overview about Malaybalay! Ty for highlighting the land of my birth. In its honor, I have a website called Malaybalayan.blogspot.com. Do visit it. I look forward to your remarks.
I really recommend visiting Malaybalay if you are wanting a 100 percent relaxation. The weather and sorrounding of the city are comfortable for both expats and tourists. Iv’e been to several places, yet only Malaybalay fascinated and continue to fascinate me. The city evolve alot, amenities and services are becoming more defined and diversified as big cities do. Hope you can visit.
The city is good to visit all year roun as the weather is raging 18’C to 23’C.
I like malaybalay its a nice place to live.
Dear Bob:
I am much indebted by your priceless info on MB. It helps me a lot
to understand it.
I plan to visit there to study Master Program at BSU but I have no
communication with it. I have sent emails so many times to it but
received no replies at all.
Be happy, Bob.
Charlie.
Hello Charlie, I am sorry to hear of your troubles in communicating with BSU. I hope that they will respond to you!
Dear Bob,
My name is Brian. I have been sick and out of touch for almost 2 years so I pretty much lost touch with everybody including computer friends. One person I wanted to get back in touch with is Magda. I’ve done quite a bit of business with you by sending her Christmas presents and so forth. So much that I even got to know Glenda (your employee) over the phone. I haven’t contacted Magda yet but I Googled her name and a letter popped up in your column from 2008 when her mother’s house exploded and caught fire killing her brother.
The person who wrote the letter wanted to know if he should give her money or if it was a scam. NOW I AM WONDERING. I never knew she asked someone ELSE for money. I can’t really ask you to investigate her for me but I was wondering if you could tell me if you’ve had anyone else complain or if you have ever reached any conclusion as to her as a person. I was under the impression her middle name is Lorna. Is everything I did for her based on lies? I feel like a total idiot.
I had your company deliver Christmas presents and helped her with her brothers funeral after the house explosion.
I’m not asking you to make a judgement, just asking if you’ve had any other inquiries about her. In fact, if you print this please block out her name. I don’t want to badmouth anybody. Not even if they are a bad person. That’s not my place.
Thanks, Brian
Hi Brian – Thank you for your previous patronage of my business, I appreciate it greatly.
To be honest, I have forgotten about this incident, it occurred so long ago. I do not recall ever getting any inquiries about Magda though. I wish I could offer you more help than I can.
Thanks very much Bob.
Regardless of what happened with her the business that you did for me at that time was OUTSTANDING! Even though her house was hard to find your people went the extra mile to make sure her and her family received the presents and food I sent for Christmas. You even sent me a personal e-mail telling me how excited and appreciative the were. It was a nice personal touch that you really didn’t have to do.
If I ever do any more business there you’ll be my go to guy.
It’s nice to know you can trust a guy half a world away.
Thanks again,
Brian
Hi Brian – We always try to do business with a personal touch, and I am very appreciative of your feelings regarding how your order was handled. Thank you sincerely for your kind words.
The plan (Man plans, God laughs, but I digress…) is for me to move myself and my widowed Mom (80 years old) to Malaybalay, putting together more or less a family compound there possibly involving my fiancee’s family in Iligan, so I’m looking at some land… my research keeps bringing me back to it (Malaybalay that is). Her only continuing medical needs are Metformin, and she has a pacemaker. Nearby competent medical facilities are a concern. Feedback?
Hi Bob,
I am needing updating as to the city of Malaybalay. Is there a sizeable downtown there with a mall and big shopping stores. Can a guy from the USA, feel comfortable there still? I have been to the Philippines 3 times and came away from the fact that the temp’s are to hot for me [humidity is not my friend]. Any import you can give me will be appreciated.
Thank you…Bob G
Malaybalay is a small town, Bob. There are no malls, at least nothing that I would classify as a mall. It is a comfortable place to me, but whether you would be comfortable there is something that only you could judge.
Take care
I’m retiring in 2016. I heard a lot of good things about Malaybalay and other Bukidnon towns. Being a Floridian, I would love to retire in a small city with subtropical climate. I’m an avid fan of Bob’s website, perusing his blogs like there’s no tomorrow. I plan to stay in Bukidnon for a few months so I’d have a fuller grasp of its peace and order situation. People-wise, I already know a lot about Filipino culture, since most of my friends here are Filipino professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists) and I’ve attended a lot of gatherings in their houses. They’re so transparently sincere and hospitable. I hope I can find a reasonably priced rental home there. If I feel safe enough, I wouldn’t hesitate to set up roots there.
Hi Reniel, thanks for visiting my sites! My only concern for you, as a Floridian, you may find the climate in Bukidnon to be a bit cool. Give it a try and see what you think.
we will be living here next year. we live in manila and bukidnon is such a wonderful place♥
I agree Bukidnon is a wonderful place. Something magical about it!