The other day, I re-read Bob’s column reporting that Live in the Philippines readers are moving to the Philippines. Bob was not expecting this migration, regardless of its size and scope. Like many of us who follow his columns, Bob views it as a good thing.
My wife Emy and I viewed it as a good thing, too. We thought it is such a good thing that we are participating in the “flood of humanity” to the Philippines. Our move, however, is more of a “MacArthur-like” return than just a simple “Gee, that’s a beautiful place” move. Do not get me wrong. Any reason to move could be a good reason in our eyes. We are returning to our friends and family after defeating the soul-sapping invader: uncertainty. While not being totally dispatched, retreat on all fronts is uncertainty’s order of the day. We are able to “land and move inland,” exclaiming that we have returned.
This PAL baggage handler “Ping”, an Ilocano, was one of the first to greet us at the Centennial Terminal’s baggage claim at NAIA. Every time we transit baggage claim, he is the handler who takes care of us. He knows that we will seek him out whenever we are there. He always makes sure that our bags clear customs and find their way to our Laoag flight. All transits are successful meetings and each with that, “Welcome back!” ever-present smile.
We took his picture on our last visit when we asked him to watch for our son who would be transiting baggage claim in two weeks time. We emailed his picture to our son with instructions to seek him out. When our son finally made his trip, he was surprised that “Ping” was calling him by name while eying the passengers from our son’s flight. He made sure our son’s baggage cleared customs and found their way to that Laoag flight – another successful transit!
Our porter (baggage handler) at Laoag International Airport is a cousin who, likewise, greeted us grandly and quickly had our bags in tow. While it is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines, it is small. So is the baggage claim area. I counted eight porters working our flight. The flight was nearly full, so there were about one hundred and thirty passengers. The porters really hustled – our flight’s baggage was deplaned, transported, and “out the door” in just over thirty minutes. Larger airports cannot match that! Though the airport has just installed a baggage carousel, it awaits power hook-up and certification. I wonder how the porters will handle working side-by-side the carousel.
It is about a half-hour ride from the airport to our home. That half-hour tried to fly by as we pass the all too familiar sites, but it seemed to drag on whenever we thought of our destination.
Home always looks good. Such a nice, tranquil place that is soothing in the shade. While the katulangs and our driver took care of the baggage, I found time to visit the nipa hut. What a wonderful place to sit and enjoy one’s surroundings. I just had to go in, sit down, and convince myself that we were actually here. We did it – we made the move (well, the traveling part any way).
When I had fully convinced myself that, yes, we were home; it was time for a personal ritual that I do not fail to perform whenever I come home. I visit Auntie Lydia’s “tiangi” or sari-sari store, across the highway from our house. This visit has a two-fold purpose: to greet Auntie, who has always been supportive and friendly, and to buy two cold bottles of San Miguel Beer. I always offer the first bottle to Auntie. She traditionally declines it.
There will be other San Miguel’s in my life, but those first two cold ones, ritually imbibed upon my return to Pasuquin, are always among the best.
Rituals completed, it is time to head to the house, help unpack, and get a little naptime. The house is new and is my part of a bargain. Emy once told me that the only way we could retire in the Philippines would be to build a new, American style house there. Well, I upheld my part!
The outside has the “island flair,” but the inside has quite a few western amenities. This, indeed, is Emy’s dream house and it makes her happy. I’m happy, too, that we both held up our parts of the bargain.
Like most houses in the Philippines, construction is never 100% complete. There are always little touches and personal tweaks that occur over the years. We had the house wired for both 220VAC and 110VAC, but we have yet to purchase and install a pole transformer that will provide such western magic. We will also purchase and install an outdoor chandelier at the front doorway. Finding just the right one is difficult. I am sure we will find more home improvements as time goes on. For now, however, it is time to enjoy being home.
Paul is a CPA and a retired tax accountant, having served companies and corporations of all sizes, as well as individuals, in public accounting practices. Prior to what he refers to as his "real job," he served a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. It was during this career that he met and married his OFW spouse of 40+ years, Emy, while stationed in London, UK. (Though he pleaded for the assignment, Paul never received orders to the Philippines.) A "Phil-phile" from an early age, Paul remembers his first introduction to the Philippines in the primary grades of a parochial elementary school where, one week each year, children donated their pennies to purchase school supplies, food and other necessities for Filipino children in need. That love for Filipinos continues to this day. Calling Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte--in the far northwestern part of Luzon--home (just about as far away from Davao as one can be while still being on one of the major islands) Paul prefers a more relaxed provincial life style, and willingly shares a different view of the Philippines from "up north"!
Hi Paul, When we arrive after our Cathay Pacific flight that takes us straight on to Mactan Cebu Airport from the States, my husband’s childhood friend who is a baggage handler there, always seems to find us as if he knew we were coming. Finally getting to our house after grocery shopping, errands lunch etc. in the city, it’s a great feeling like we never left.
It sounds like you’re really happy in your familiar place. I hope that you have long happy life there.
(Off topic, I’d reccomend Cathay Pacific to anyone needing to get to Cebu because they offer what’s call “Cebu Bridge” that takes you right through to Cebu without having to transfer in Manila.)
Hi Bob – We ended up not bringing any lamps, so that problem solved itself before it occurred.
All of the “stuff” I brought that needs AC power is compatable 110/220 stuff. Emy did end up bringing a mixer, a blender and a rice cooker ( ❓ ) that are 110 VAC only.
I suggested that we wire the house for 220 VAC only, but my honey of a chief engineer said “no way – it’s my dream house.” Who says dreams don’t come true? 😆
I’m at that point already – only 220 VAC stuff, nuttin’ else!
But the boss . . . . 😀
Congradulations on getting home. It’s a long flight full of logistics from S.F., so I know it’s even more involved farther away. Hopefully everything will just fall in place for you, and you will continue to smile on……..i2f
Nice house Paul, how long did it take you to build this house and how big?? Husband and I are planning of building our house next year in Davao City(3hrs drive from Mati my hometown). Welcome back and enjoy Philippines.
Paul, glad you were able to return. We have a similar “friend” in customs at the transfer area of the old airport named “Willy”. My third trip here this guy recognized me right off. On another trip when our bags were delayed by LAX, but we had to advance onward to Dipolog, he gavwe me his cell number, and quaranteed to personally follow up with LAX if they failed to ship our luggage. Needless to say the bags arrived the next day with a note from Willy.
Hi Master Chief,
Nice house….so how much more $$$ did it cost to wire the house for 110???
How will you make usre that you don;t plug the toaster in the wrong outlet?? Stupid question but my friends say it is easy when you are sleepy or tired to make the mistake and… Phfft the smoke means you will be shopping for a new applicance!!!! I can hardly wait to see some pics of the interior.
Do you have land with it????Walled back yard???
Sorry for the house questions just curious as to expat choices in their living arrangements. I may incorporate some of the fab ideas at my house in Cabanatuan.
Hello Paul,
Great article, I love the look of the house too. Almost like some of the newer houses down here in South Florida.
I too am curious about the electricity you had put in, I am not too good about these things, so could you explain why you did this, and how does it work when they hook up the electricity to your house?? Is it because you brought a lot of your electrical appliances from the USA to be used there?
Is nice that you have your own little “7-11” across the street too, that comes in handy..lol.
Take care my friend, and I look forward to the stories of getting settled into your new environment.
Danny 🙂
Paul: Would love to build like that on the beach property… The logistics of doing so in Abulug are truly mind-boggling. I’ve already reached the same conclusion that we’ll have to do it from Manila… I don’t thing the contractors in Tuguegarao can handle it. Congrats on a difficult fulfillment to your dream and welcome to our new neighbor (within 5 hours!)
Hi Paul,
Nice house Paul,,all i can say is enjoy your life there w/your family!!Me and my husband have plan to move to philippine too after i’ve give birth but pending coz of the job,maybe next year i wish..
Hi Paul, great article, and I love ice cold San Miguel too!
Maybe I should retire in Bangladesh to afford the convenience you guys enjoy in Philippines 🙂
By the way, I’m a little confused at how you are willing to pay for the installation of 110v in a country that uses 220v. I guess the 110 v appliances are also part of the deal?
Maligayang Pagdating!
Manny
Congratulations on your return to the Philippines and beautiful house!
Helpful hint: get a label maker and put a label near the end of the plug for all your 110v appliances. Also label the 110v outlets; this should help people plug appliances into the wrong outlets.
Maybe I should mention that, while the house is wired for 110/220 VAC, all outlets at present are at 220 VAC. IF we go ahead with the transformer, the separate lines will be switched over and the sockets changed.
(Personally, I’m fighting the 110 VAC thing – those transformers cost a lot and once 110 VAC is hooked up, there’s no true defense for the “poof” factor, as many readers have pointed out 😯 )
Hi Paul, We use some small plug transformers for some appliances and stereo equipment shipped from the States, and that works out fine for us. Also, it’s true that over time though things will get replaced with 220 VAC and that will be all you’d need. Maybe your wife will come around to that eventually.
Paul
Is that bermuda lawn?
Very nice design on the house too
ps..did you have eave vents and also do you have an attic fan to blow the hot air out the gable vent some where?
This will save some electric
Looks like a beautiful house on a nice property setting Paul. May I ask what it is constructed of ? At times I have wondered what it would cost to have my small house ( 865 sq ft living space ) duplicated there from the original blueprints. I have learned however that a house of wood construction ( real wood, not todays particle board ) just would not hold up there in the Philippines.
There is a type of USA electrical plug and socket where one blade is vertical and the other is horizontal plus the ground pin. Equipping your 120 volt items with these type of plugs and using the appropriate socket on yout 120 volt distribution system might offer some protection against ” instant smoke ” for your 120 volt items. These plugs may be known as 25 amp plugs, we use them where I work as they once had a problem with regular type plugs ” dissapearing “.
I have often wanted to bring some USA things as gifts for friends there but I know it would only be a matter of time, even with a step down transformer, that the item would get plugged into a wall outlet and get blown out.
The plug and socket I mentioned above is known as ” NEMA 5-20 “. The standard type NEMA 5-15 ( standard type USA 2 paralell blade ) with ground pin will also fit into this plug as well as the older type 2 blade plug.
Thanks for the tips, Queeniebee – yes, we have a couple of plug-in transformers for the 110VAC stuff – one large one that can handle the mixer, blender and rice cooker all at once, and one small one for individual service.
Now, if I can only get the boss to agree that 220VAC is the way for us to go! I’m also going to try and find the fellows who will rewind motors for 220VAC and make the mixer and blender compatable. The rice cooker – oh well! 🙂
Just schedual a trip to the mall and wonder into the appliance store. They have all that stuff with 220 wiring. The prices have reall came down and are pretty close to USA prices. The Boss may have a change of hart on the 110V stuff when she has the opertunity for new one. Best wishes for a happy life in your new home.
Guess you have everything operating properly by now. Didn’t notice this was a three year old post.
welcome home paul and emy ! and wow what a beautiful home ! when’s the pool going in and when are we invited ! hehe 😉
Glad you maed it home ok. In late August I will be making the grand tour back to Davao… Jacksonville, Fl. to Houston, Tx. to Vancouver, BC. to Hong Kong to Manila to Davao… about 30+ hours flying and in airports.
hi paul
did you bring and install a tankless hot water heater?
maria
Very nice web site. And we are planning the a similar move to Cebu. We have nice property with nice view of the China sea. Your article seems to have everyone’s interest in the 220/110. And comforting to know that is can be wired, as I have a lot of audio gear and Ham gear that needs 110. Too expensive to replace for the 220 option. My main concern is electric costs and what you did for A/C. Will I be able to survive in the Phils (financially) with whole house A/C? Or just air con certain rooms? I’m thinking of one large outside unit (condenser unit…like we have in USA) and separate air handlers mounted high on the wall with individual thermostats. And ceiling fans everywhere. How are you surviving the heat index of 110 F??
Fred
Hi Fred – Welcome to LiP Web Magazine and thanks for your comments/inquiries.
The 220/110 wiring was put in while we built the house last year. You may or may not be able to wire existing structures, but here in the Phils, there’s always a way. 😉
Our house has one wall mounted A/C unit in a single bedroom. Whenever the humidity gets to that “clammy” stage, we close up windows and turn it on. We move the cool air along throughout the house using portable fans. Works for us, but we may be adding another unit or two. Our location is such that we almost always have a good breeze coming through, plus the house is one of a very few that has insulation and reflective-style windows (lets light in but bounces heat back).
Our electricity costs vary right now, depending on different consumption scenarios we’re playing. Not having lived in the house during “rainy” season, we have to experiment with indoor environment. We belong to an electricity co-op, so costs are not a great factor in our budget. We pay attention not to go overboard, however.
Since Cebu is much different than Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte climate-wise (different seasons, different hear indices, etc.), you may want to try the forum in this web magazine (link at top of page) and inquire. There are readers who reside in Cebu who may be able to better answer your questions. (I think my response is to specific to this area.)
As to high heat indices, you’ll acclimate to where they are just barely tolerable! 😀
Hello again my friends
I’m getting comfortable about moving knowing that there’s folks like Paul Thompson and our electrical toys and probably air conditioning. I’m gonna refuse to call these appliances “aircon” and “ref”.
Maybe someone here can answer the air conditioning system that has one “condenser unit” outside and several air handlers controlled by thermostats mounted on the wall in the rooms we desire air conditioning. We stayed at new apartment in Cebu and he had this type of system.
What is this type of air conditioning system called?
Paul, 8000P per month is not bad.
Writer Paul,
I have a lot of electronics, audio and Ham Radio gear and I can’t believe it’s cheaper to buy a Power company grade transformer to give 220 and 110? When there are many step-down transformers available. Here’s a link for these type of transformers.
http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-down-transformer.html
It seems like 2 or 3 15000 watt transformers would take care of the 110 volt need. I’m sure the transformer from the power company is top dollar. What are your thoughts? Small appliances would be better to be purchased in the Phils. Hard to find electronics are expensive in the Phils.
Fred
Thank you Paul,
for your informative reply. I thought that we would ship our belongings in a “container” (20 or 40 foot.) I read somewhere that you pack everything valuable up front and the lawn chairs or older furniture towards the back of the container and hope that customs doesn’t unload the entire “booty”. I have heard of custom duties of $3000USD for conatiners completely checked from front to back. I guess you have read my earlier post of my Ham radio gear and audio electronics that would typically be used in a broadcast service. I’ll have to look in other forums about possible customs duties and how electronics are assessed before considering moving to the Phils. I don’t plan to give up any of my hobbies to move there………….Fred
Hello again Paul,
This will be short. What price in PHP was the multi-voltage transformer? You menitoned new, fair, or refurbished. It would be nice to know what direction to take. Buy step-down transformers or buy a 220/110 pole pig for the house?
Fred
OK Paul, 3.00PHP/Watt = 10,000watts = 30,000PHP = $618.00 USD. (This is for my situation having much invested in audio and Ham radio utilizing 110 Volts. I would probably buy 2-3-4 of those at $400 a piece for backup, in case one becomes defective.)
After several years living in the Phils, I could slowly replace my electronics with 220 equipment. But I do not like the quality of electronics I am seeing available in the RP.
I can buy a step down transformer from the link I provided a few posts up, for half of that here in the USA.
Paul you mentioned that your house is wired for dual voltage. What was the price for the transformer from the power company to give you this dual voltage in your house? I believe you may have mentioned that there was only one location(?) in the house needing 110? If that’s the case then I understand what you are saying about a smaller unit. I thought your entire house had wiring for 220 and 110.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. This is possibly going to be the biggest step and change of lifestyle I have ever encountered. I think you know of all of the conveniences and things we take for granted here in the USA. EX: Things arriving by the postal system, not damaged, not stolen.
Fred
Hey Paul, I’m nailing thoughts down here for the big move. I’m looking for a contractor in Cebu. I wish there was a way to send a PM to folks who post. There was a “Queeniebee” who mentioned something about Cebu. I’m understanding that it’s better for the Filipina wife to manage the construction. Anyone reading this recommend contractors in CEBU??
What materials were used to construct your home? Concrete walls better than hollow block? A USA construction (stick built) will not survive the weather and storms. It seems we have to think opposite of what we do here in the USA……….Insulate…Insulate from the heat and humidity. I read you have energy effecient windows.
As for 110/220 wiring we’ll stick with the step-down transfromers. Too much voodoo and searching for stuff in Manila.
fred
Hey Paul, I’m nailing thoughts down here for the big move. I’m looking for a contractor in Cebu. I wish there was a way to send a PM to folks who post. There was a “Queeniebee” who mentioned something about Cebu. I’m understanding that it’s better for the Filipina wife to manage the construction. Anyone reading this recommend contractors in CEBU??
What materials were used to construct your home? Concrete walls better than hollow block? A USA construction (stick built) will not survive the weather and storms. It seems we have to think opposite of what we do here in the USA……….Insulate…Insulate from the heat and humidity. I read you have energy effecient windows.
As for 110/220 wiring we’ll stick with the step-down transfromers. Too much voodoo and searching for stuff in Manila.
fred
OK Paul, 3.00PHP/Watt = 10,000watts = 30,000PHP = $618.00 USD. (This is for my situation having much invested in audio and Ham radio utilizing 110 Volts. I would probably buy 2-3-4 of those at $400 a piece for backup, in case one becomes defective.)
After several years living in the Phils, I could slowly replace my electronics with 220 equipment. But I do not like the quality of electronics I am seeing available in the RP.
I can buy a step down transformer from the link I provided a few posts up, for half of that here in the USA.
Paul you mentioned that your house is wired for dual voltage. What was the price for the transformer from the power company to give you this dual voltage in your house? I believe you may have mentioned that there was only one location(?) in the house needing 110? If that’s the case then I understand what you are saying about a smaller unit. I thought your entire house had wiring for 220 and 110.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. This is possibly going to be the biggest step and change of lifestyle I have ever encountered. I think you know of all of the conveniences and things we take for granted here in the USA. EX: Things arriving by the postal system, not damaged, not stolen.
Fred
Hi Fred – My wife took care of everything; I would have just gotten in the way, made noises every now and then, and an occasional heart palpitation when I’d watch some “foreign” aspect of the construction.
Our house is a combination of concrete and hollow blocks. All columns for the house (weight bearing or not) are steel rebar reinforced poured concrete. The walls between the columns rest on a concrete footing and are constructed of hollow blocks that are also reinforced by steel rebar. Plenty of rebar in the construction – so much so that an outdoor antenna is needed for any reception outside of the “local, just down the road” AM station. The structure has been through four tropical cyclones (3 typhoons, 1 Tropical Storm) and displays no sign of damage or effects of the storms anywhere.
OK Paul, I’m taking a lot of your advice here seriously ande it’s been good common sense thinking.
It will definitely be a different way of life and a different perspective how other people live in another part of the World.
I’ll have to break the USA habit of living. My main concerns will be very outgoing personality of the Filipino people, get togethers, food-fests, laughing, Karaoke, etc. We/ME here in the USA like it quiet. My wife could go to birthday parties every day.
Like you say, Paul, there will be silver-linnings and dark clouds
You have been very helpful. I am surprised that there were no other responses to our posts here.
Fred
A great story. I would love to hear more about your life and journeys in the philippines.
Good Luck and god bless