Sometimes I am really amazed when I learn of some of the people who follow me on the Internet. It has actually happened so many times over the past few years. I have gotten e-mails from virtually every continent where I have been told of fan clubs and everything else you can imagine.
I had a similar experience the other day. Anybody who is a regular reader of this site will remember Louis Tamasi. Louis used to be a writer on this site about a year ago or so. He still comments here regularly, using the name “BrSpiritus” for his comments. Well, for a couple of months now, Louis has been back in the States, he is just starting a new seasonal job in Alaska, working for a fish processing company, I believe. Anyway, the other day, Louis e-mailed me and just wanted to say hello. I responded to him, asking how he was doing, and wishing him well with his new job. A few days later, I got this reply from Louis:
Ok Bob I have to say I’m impressed. When the
Filipinos here at the cannery in Alaska learned I live
in davao the next question they ask is “Oh, do you
know Bob Martin?” hahha now you’re famous in Alaska
too.Louis
What a surprise to hear that I have people in Alaska who seem to be following me! I must say that it humbles me a bit (just a bit though!) when I hear stories like this. So, I would like to take a moment to just acknowledge my followers in Alaska, and also in every other part of the world too! Leave a comment below to let me know that you follow this site! I especially would like to hear from readers who have not commented before, it would be interesting to hear from you.
Also, I want to give a big “hello” to Louis! I hope that your new job goes well, and that you make it back to Davao as soon as possible! I know you miss your wife and your home here.
I’ll also take this chance to say hello to recent blog commenter, Ellen. Ellen and her husband sailed to the Philippines from Canada, with many stops along the way, and they are currently staying on Samal Island. Yesterday, Feyma and I went over to Samal and met Ellen and her husband, as well as her extended family. We had a wonderful lunch with them too. All I can say is that the hospitality was really so evident there! We look forward to going back and visiting again in the future! Thank you to Ellen and all of your family, you made a very enjoyable day for us!
As always, I am happy to meet any LiP readers who happen to come to Davao! Just let me know when you will be in town, and we will arrange a get-together!
Bob
Fantastic blog Bob. Guess you have seen my comments enough to know I am addicted and now I am getting to the point that I know what time your blog will come out. 😉
Hi Larry – Thanks very much! I am glad that you are enjoying my site! I do try to make sure that my columns post up at around the same time every day, so that people will know when to expect a new one. I'm glad that you noticed that! 😆
Hello, yes, I am a secret follower, LOL, since Jan, when we found out we were to move in the Philippines in August. We are slowly packing now. Your blog has a wealth of information, thank you!
wandering feet
Hi
I must confess I have been following this site for the past few months now. I found this site through google. My family and I have been transferred from W. Africa to the Philippines and we hope to move by the end of this year.
This site is really helpful even though we will not be living in Davao. We will probably live in Cavite, if I am not mistaken!!
Thanks
Hi wandering feet – Thanks for your visits to my site! I hope you won't be as "secret" in the future, and participate in the comments! 😆 I am really glad to know that you are enjoying the site and finding it informative. Good luck with your pending move!
Hi May – Welcome to you also! Wow, a move from West Africa to the Philippines is a big move! I wish you the very best of luck. Although you won't live in Davao, I am sure that most of the information on the site will still prove useful for you!
Warm hello from malaysia.
Hi Evelyn – Thank you very much! It's a pleasure to hear from you. I hope that you will always find my site interesting and informative!
Hi Bob, another avid reader here, your site has given me a comfort level in my decision to move to The Philippines, now booked for July 10th and as the song goes "my bags are backed I'm ready to go". What I like is a positive message and the massive amount of information with real links that work 🙂 THANK YOU
Hi John – Thanks very much for your comment. I'm glad that I've been of a little assistance in raising your level of comfort in regards to coming to live here! 😀
Hi from Illinois. Happy to find your blog. Learned a lot.
Been away from Mindanao for 32 yrs. It is like coming home again.
Thanks.
Hi midwesterner – Well, then welcome home! I'm glad that you are enjoying the site!
Hello Bob. Thanks to you too. My husband, my family and I were honoured to have met you and Feyma. We need people like YOU to spread the word around that Mindanao is NOT the scariest place to live in or visit.
In our cruising life for the past 5 years, we have met cruisers from all around the world. The negative perception of Mindanao is so strong that I found people were correcting me when I talk so fondly of Davao. They know more than me even though they've never been here before. As travelers, we keep an open mind regarding the countries we visit, but strangely enough, there are still some out there who are narrow minded.
Thanks again and please do visit when you come to Samal,
Ellen
ps Keep up on your Visayan studies. Soon you can teach me the correct grammar 😆
Hi Ellen – Feyma and I had a wonderful time yesterday. You and your entire family are genuinely nice people, and we look forward to seeing all of you again in the future!
You are so right about the perceptions of Mindanao. Like you, I have had so many people tell me how bad a place Mindanao is, even though they have never set foot here, and I have lived here for a significant amount of time. It is quite amazing, don't you think, when something like that happens. It only shows that an untruth can spread and catch to the people where it almost is true!
We look forward to seeing you next time we come to Samal! If you get tired of seeing us, just tell us! 😆
Hi from Gold Coast Australia, the most beautiful place in the world, and Australias premier tourist destination, but the only place I want to spend my vacation time is in the Philippines! 🙂
Hi Anthony – Always nice to hear from the Gold Coast! Australia is a place that I have always wanted to visit!
hello bob
i remember the last time i was in davao a year ago and i was gonna try to meet you,i regret to say my scedule was very hecktic when i arrived there and finally met my 3 month old son,me and my fiancee are allmost completed all our immigration steps,now waiting her medical and embassy interview,i believe after 10 or 15 years we will both return to retire,i want to live on samal,i have been there 4 times and i love it.i have been following your websites 3 years now and i allways await your next discussion,how about a request for some more videos from samal,i have enjoyed the videos of philippines alot.salamat bob
Hi Ron W – I will certainly be featuring more about Samal in the future, that is also a big part of my life plans – I can't wait to settle there! Also, in the near future I will be launching a new site that will be of interest to anybody who has plans on Samal Island. 😆 Stay tuned for that!
Bob,
You have many followers here in Rhode Island. I have told many people about your site (Philippino and American) and have been following your site myself for a year or two now. You are living the dream of many of us here in the states, especially in winter.
Hi Sean – Thanks for your effort of spreading the word about my site! That's very kind of you, and I appreciate it very much. Of course, we also have Neal from RI who often leaves comments here, so I guess we do have a crowd in Rhode Island! Hello to all Rhode islanders!
Hi Bob
I have been an avid reader of your Blog since I found it on Google. I will be in RP in July to check out some retirement options.
BUT
I was at the Philippine Independance celebrations today in Vancouver BC and was talking to some filipina friends and mentioned your website and they said "yes we know of Mindanao Bob..he gives good advice about the Philippines" I was not surprised to hear it.
Hi Tyleen – Thank you so much for your kind words! It amazes me that people would know me when you mention my name like that! I guess that this should be encouragement for everybody that if you make an effort to do a good job, the rewards will come.
If you happen to come to Davao during your trip, let's have a cup of coffee!
Unfortunately I will be spending most of my time in Cabanatuan. My friend is developing a subdivision there. I am "picking out" my lot and house. BUT in spring of 2009 I will be spending at least 1-2 months in RP and will definitely fly down to to have that cup of coffee and take you and Feyma to lunch. I think it is the least I can do for all of the information I have gleened from your Blogs.
I look forward everyday to your new articles.
Could you please let me know your other websites/blogs so I can check them out?? I am not too computer savvy so any help would be great.
I have been checking out SM for appliances…any other recommendations??
Hi Bob,
Your site is the first thing I read in the morning, even before the news!
Greetings from a retired Canadian now living in Linz, Austria
John in Austria
Hey Bob,
Hello from texas. My wife and I are glad we have found your site. We plan to one day return to RP and reading your site gives us encouragement to press on. Thank you. David and Rowena
Hi Sir Robert .Now you are world famous i suppose that you have no time for my coffee invitations. But not to worry i will invite Feyma and she can bring you a takeaway coffee.
Hi Tyleen – Good luck, I hope you get a great lot in that development! I appreciate your kind words.
Some of my other sites:
Mindanao Blog
Mindanao Photoblog
Virtual Earner
I have others too, but these are the main ones.
Hi John Coldwell – Wow, that's quite an honor for me! Thank you.
Hi David J – Hello to you there in Texas (and your fie too – hi Rowena). Glad to know that you get some value from my site!
Hi Frank – Hey, I'm glad to hear from you! It's been a while. I hope that your health is back on track now! Don't worry, as long as there is coffee, I'll be there! 😆
Hello from UAE! 😀
Am counting the days for my vacation to Davao!
My friends are excited to visit Davao by next year.
Hello from UAE! 😀
Bob, Am counting the days for my vacation to Davao!
My friends are excited to visit Davao by next year.
Extend my warm hello to Feyma!
glad to know davao's first cyber celeb. should have slipped you a paper napkin at claude's & asked for your autograph. 😉
Hi Maryg – Thanks for commenting! We are looking forward to meeting you when you make it back to Davao!
Hi macky – Actually, I was a bit disappointed when you didn't ask! 😯
Hi Bob- The other day I at last received a E-mail from Frank Fealy after he disappeared off the radar for some time. Remember we spoke about him during my visit to Davao. I told him to let you know he was on the mend after spending time in hospital so it was good to see him (# 25 frank fealey ) back on line and responding to your postings. I'm sure all the readers will wish Frank a speedy full recovery and to see him soon back in the Philippines albeit on business. By the way from Jim in Durham UK soon to be in Talakag Bukidnon.
Hi Bob,
very informative site, i am from neighboring country(sabah,land below the wind) because like most part of Mindanao we experienced no typhoon.
and soon my family and i will move to live in Panabo, a small city not far
from Davao city. i must congratulate for your good works. i supposed many
like me appreciated information that we can learnt regarding migration/live
in Davao….Thank you.
apiapi
land below the wind
Hi Jim Cunningham – indeed, it really was good to hear from Frank, after a long absence from the site. Frank is a tough guy… it's hare to keep him down! 😆
Hello apiapi – I'm glad that you found the site! When you make it to Davao, let me know, or at least say hello if you see me around town!
Bob
It's been awile since I commented here so forgive me if I wonder off topic.
Memorial Day at the Family Gathering I was talking about our plans to move to RP, as usual people were skeptical and thinking that I would be living in a Tin Shack, eating Fisheads and Rice, avoiding a Kidnapping at every corner.
I sat them all own in front of the Laptop and made a presentation to them of several of your Video's. All of them(including my Wife) were impressed, most of them had no idea of how the Philippines has become modernized. The video of the Mall was very much a eyeopener for them all.
THANKS's to all your excellent efforts and video's, they are a bit more at ease with my future plans to relocate to RP.
I would like go on record to claim my statue as being the 1st person from RI to comment here on your Blog. I will continue to spread the word of LIP and "Mindanao Bob" here in Rhode Island.
Hey Bob lets talk about "Royalties"
Hi Neal in RI – Yes, I believe that you do hold the mantle as the first RI commenter on this site!
Hey, I'm glad that some of my posts and video helped you out in getting people's opinions to shift regarding a potential move here! That is what this site is all about, so I'm happy that it worked that way!
Hi Bob, One more snowman moving to Davao, I have enjoyed learning so much from you. It has made this last year of "getting ready" for my move to Davao much easier. I arrive June 25th, at last. Looking forward to meeting you and Feyma. My wife and I have a Lot on Samal also. Such a beautiful place. With the recent rains you have been having maybe I should leave the ice skates at home and bring a rubber raft. Thanks for all you do. Keith
Hi Bob and Jim Cunningham.YEP itsme back in action. If 8years in the Rhodesian army and the numerous battle scars cannot put me down.Then my current problems can be overcome. It willbe along slog but one i will win. Need some good medication like draft beer at o flanagans in Davao. Or maybe a good nosh at Hennies.Trying to get back to Davao by year end .Regards to all
Hi Bob, Trevor from Canada here. Just started throwing in my 2 cents worth a couple of weeks ago, and have nothing but high praise for you and everyone that contribute to your site.
It's obvious that a lot of hard work has gone into making LIP what it is today, although I'm sure you don't view it as such, because of the enjoyment you get from it. Still, it must be very gratifying to know that you've helped so many people, from all walks of life, get over their stereotypical views of the Phils., and in particular Mindanao. Me being one. hehe I always like to do my homework on any country before I travel there, and I must say that I don't ever remember homework being this enjoyable. Because of you, Davao is looking more and more like the place I want to hang my hat when I retire.
By the way, thanks for the birthday wish Bob. I'm now 55 yrs. old, and confirmed it by ordering off the seniors menu. 😯
God bless you and your wonderful family, and I wish you continued success.
Trev
Hi Bob, Ed here from Anchorage Alaska. Haven't talked to you in a while, still got snow on the mountains here. Great site, check it out everyday, still waiting for that day when me and the wife can head southwest and relax in the sun for good. She's talks about doing the snowbird thing, but once I leave the ice and snow I doubt I'll be coming back. Keep up the good work and hope to see you someday in the future.
Ako rin! Hi Bob, Andrew from California here. I've been reading blogs about the Philippines for months. Yours and PhilFAQS are my two favorites. My wife and i are planning to retire in the Philippines someday. We've made five trips there in the last four years to visit her family. Except for a few days in Boracay, we've been limited to Manila and surrounding areas. But after reading your blog i'd like to see Davao on our next trip.
Like you and Feyma, my wife and i have a lot we plan to build a house on someday. If you start building before we do, i will be glued to your blog to read about the ups and downs of your project (mostly ups i hope).
When I mentioned to a Filipino where I work ( in the suburbs of New York City ) that I wanted to vacation in Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro Mindanao, I really think he tried to scare me out of going there with all the horror stories he told me. He went on to tell me that he is originally from Cebu ( not Mindanao ). Perhaps he didn't know I had been websurfing the places I wanted to visit for 2 years prior to me actually going there. I consulted with Bob Martin several times by E Mail who clarified certain percautions I had received from several sources here in the USA.
Bob Martin indicated that I would have a great time going to the places I wanted to go and seeing the thiings I wanted to see. In the end, it was Bob Martins information and advice that had the highest degree of accuracy and it turned out being the best vacation I ever had !
When I reluctantly returned to work after my vacation, everyone there commented how refreshed I looked what great spirits I was in.
The Filipino ( and it wass not just one of them ) who, maybe was just trying to give me some advice has been kind of quiet in talking about Mindanao since my return. Other co-workers asked if they could see my bullet wounds and knife slashes ! I couldn't help but to just laugh at them out loud.
If you give it some thought, I wonder just how many people really are as familiar with Mindanao as Bob Martin is ? You can most definetly count me in as a Bob Martin fan. I am already planning my next vacation there in Mindanao. What a fantastic experience !
Hi Bob:
After reading this article I decided to do a bit of detective work. I called and asked 23 people that are somehow related of involved in the Filippine culture. All of the answerers were the same "Bob Who, from where"?
Sounds like you and your readers are getting a bit full of yourselves Bob.
Remember" Pride Goeth Before the Fall". LOL
Hi from Muscle Shoals, Alabama!
I too am a loyal follower of LiP. I have been reading this blog for the last year and find it very professional. I recommend this site to anyone who wants honest information without a hidden agenda.
I think if Wayne Derby keeps reading this Site he will realise that Bob Martin is definitely not "full of himself". He is as humble as they come.
Keep up the good work!
Mark C.
Hi Bob
With all the junk that is found on the internet it is refreshing to have such a place with good content and interesting stories. You are helping my transition to moving to the Philippines much smoother.
Hi Keith – Actually, when I wrote this column you came to mind, since you are from Alaska and all. It's been a while since I heard from you, I hope you are doing well!
Hi Frank – That's the Frank I know! It won't be long, and you'll be traveling the world again!
Hi Trevor D – Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad that your birthday went off smoothly, and you are now able to order from the senior's menu! Ha ha…
Hi Ed – Nice to hear from you again! Hey, you and I are a lot alike – once I came here, I had no wish to go back to the cold, rainy weather of the Pacific Northwest!
Hi pogidaga – Thanks for being a regular reader! I know that Dave will appreciate your support for PhilFAQs too. I also enjoy reading Dave's work as well. Not sure if we'll beat you to the building or not, but if we do (even if we don't) I will certainly be writing a lot about that process here!
Hi Bob New York – Thank you so much for your high praise! Well, I don't try to be the "expert" but I am glad that my advice worked out well for you. I can also tell in what you write that you really had a good time in Iligan! It's something that you can remember for a lifetime! I know that is how I am about my first trip to the Philippines when I visited Manila, Cebu and General Santos City.
Hi Wayne A. Derby – I am not sure what I have done to you to turn your attitude around by 180 degrees. In the past you have always been friendly and nice, and I really liked you a lot, Wayne. Not only that, I respected you for your principles. In the past few weeks, though, you have been downright mean. I don't know why that is. I have not done anything to you that I am aware of, Wayne. I don't go to the places on the net where you write and leave nasty comments and such, and I won't do that, because that is just not me. Honestly, Wayne, if you have anger at me or don't like this site, nobody is forcing you to read it.
Good luck, Wayne. Whatever has gotten under your skin, I hope that you are able to overcome it.
Hi Mark C. – Thanks for your support! I'm glad to have you onboard, and I am glad that you have found my site helpful and interesting!
Hi Dan Mihaliak – Thank you for visiting! I hope that your eventual move to the Philippines (or, are you already here?) goes smoothly and without a hitch!
Good Morning Bob,
I wish I knew about this site before I visited Davao. I only stumbled on it in the last few months and have contributed the odd comment. I'm surprised I didn't find it earlier because I do surf a bit and think I'm pretty good with Google. You do a wonderful job for your part of the philippines because (no offence intended) there is nothing really unique about the region. I catch up with your posts every working day here in the city of Horsham, in the state of Victoria, Australia!
Hi AussieLee – Thank you for your nice words, and also I thank you for your contributions to the site! I am glad that you have found this to be a resource for you!
Hi Wayne A. Derby – I felt sorry for you. Your jealousy got really over your head. You are not famous because you haven't done anything to promote this country. Try to be positive and try to promote this country nicely, then people will take notice at you. Try not to be mean.
Hi frank fealey – Ha ha ha. 😆 Sure I will go for coffee with you. 😆 I will also be happy taking home the coffee for Bob. 😆 😆 😆
Hello Bob,
I just want to say hi, Norma and I miss PI ,our trip was so short to Bohol and Davao City. We are planning on a return in Dec. 08. I want you to know that you can keep me and Norma on your list of fans who always read your posts and look for the photos of day to day life in PI.
Ralph E. Castillo
Hi Ralph E. Castillo – Nice to hear from you, Ralph! I enjoyed meeting you and Norma during your trip last month! I'll look forward to seeing you again in December!
Hi AussieLee – Coming from Horsham I am not suprised you spend a bit of time surfing the net.
Just joking, because I am originally from your area, and am very familiar with Horsham.
I think there must be people with connections to the Philippines in every corner of the globe.
Hi Bob,kumusta from here in Wichita Falls,Tx…there is only one thing that i can say,you're the best thing that ever happened in Davao/Mindanao.Keep it up and many thanks for all the wonderful things you've been sharing to all of us.
Hi Bob & Feyma,
Watch out for the paparazzi!!!
Hey Bob, I was trying to post new pictures on the photo gallery but the password recovery didn't work. 🙁
I may not have been posting lately (work gets in the way) but I check in from time to time. More power to you and Feyma, Bob! Keep this great site going!!!
Take care always.
Bonjour!greetings from France,kumusta?I always read your blog for some years now but never had the chance to leave any comments,I'm a certified big LURKER here :)I'm really thankful for this informative site,it informs my husband about Davao and the way of living of expats there.Too bad my husband changed his mind on retiring there because of the medical system in Philipines.Do you know some french expats living in Davao Bob?Hi to your wife Feyma.
Thanks,
Amor
Hi Armi M. – Thanks for your kind words! All I can say is that Davao and all of Mindanao have been good for me, so I am only returning the favor!
Hi Tina – I'll check into the photo gallery, and contact you privately if I can see what happened. Thanks for leaving your comment!
Hi Amor – Indeed, I know a number of Frenchmen living here in Davao. One of them is Claude, one of the most famous foreigners in Davao. He owns and operates Claude's Cafe de Ville on Rizal Street. I am sure that your husband would love it here! Medical here is quite inexpensive, after all! 😆
Hi Bob – Although i seldom giving comments but I'm one of your avid readers. My day is not complete without reading your sites. 🙂
Hello Bob and all, from the North West highlands of Scotland. Always read your postings, have done for 2 yrs or more. I think my favoutite is your Photo Blog about people and places in Mindanao. I doubt I will ever see the beautiful islands you live on, but I still enjoy reading about life there.
Mel
Hi Bob,he knows that medical is inexpensive in Philippines but what if it's a big health problem that will cost millions.In Philippines,you have to pay all,even if you have a medical insurance there,it will not cover all the hospital expenses.While here in France and other european countries,even if you have heart operation or any important operations,no problem at all because you will not pay as long as you have medical insurance here.
My husband loves to retire and live in the Philippines,he really likes it there especially the laid back life style,the smiles of the people,the foods and I guess we would live very well there especially with the euro-peso rate but sad to say he has some medical issues.He has to take some medicines everyday and we didn't find the same in Davao,we already asked many drug stores but they didn't have.Hope you don't mind I ask,what medical insurance do you have or the other expats there?How much and does it covers all even the major expenses?It would be very helpful also to others to know these matters.
Yeah,I already heard Claude's name but never had a chance to go to his restaurant.
Thanks a lot,
Amor
Hi Luz – I am happy to have a lot of readers like you! Thank you so much for visiting my sites!
Hi "MEL " STEWART – Thank you also for visiting! I am glad to hear that you enjoy the sites! You can come here to see the place for yourself! I bet you'd have a wonderful time!
Hi Amor – You and your husband might check into health insurance portability. Many health plans will pay for care in other countries. Another alternative would be to travel back to France if you are sick. Also, there indeed are health care plans available here in the Philippines that will cover you in case of a medical expense. If you and your husband really want to live here, there are ways that you can do it!
I wish you the best of luck.
Usually private health insurance companies for global coverage do not cover pre-existing conditions. If they do, some require a few years of grace period, or the premiums are quite expensive. Another catch is that they require you to apply for coverage every year – and they reserve the right to deny coverage each year. As an example, our German friend was paying her premiums diligently for several years. When she did finally claim for some hospital expenses, she was denied coverage the following year (however, no reasons were given on why it was denied). Insurance firms from your home country may have cheaper premiums as they can send you back to your home country to be covered by your own country's medical programs. But I certainly doubt they will cover pre-existing conditions. If there is a government health plan in your country, they may cover you for care in other countries, but be careful. There might be a clause there that you only qualify for the health program if you stay in the country for a certain period of time in a year.
So, in quest of health insurance plans, do ask details of what will be covered and how claims are to be handled. In your case, you have to ask if you can cover pre-existing conditions.
Good luck,
Ellen
ps – if you have a higher deductible, the premiums can drop substantially.
Hi Ellen – Thanks so much for sharing that, you have some good tips there! For me, I always go for a high deductible – I choose to cover more minor events myself, and keep my premiums low.
Hi Bob, that is what we are doing as well. But, as we get older, the premiums go higher as well 😥 On a positive note, the medical facilities and doctors here are at par with the developed countries. Also, a lot of doctors here were educated in the U.S. of A. and here's the scoop, cheaper and no waiting list. Philippines export a lot of caregivers, but there are still plenty here to take care of me as I get old and feeble 😆
Cheers,
Ellen
Hi Ellen – I am in total agreement with you – the quality of medical care here is right at par with the developed world. I have been very impressed and happy with the quality of care available here! 😀
Hello Bob and Ellen,thanks for the great infos about health insurance there in Philippines.I'll let my husband read this.
Hi Amor – Good luck to you and your husband!
Hi Bob, thanks for the luck I think I may need it. Night security guard is a pretty simple position but it really has it's moments. I am also having fun talking to the Filipinos that work here at the cannery and getting a picture of what it is like to be an OFW. If you are interested I'd love to share my info in a podcast when I get back. Yes I miss my wife very much but I will be home in August (YAY!) which is sooner than I expected. see you soon and save some bukidnon coffe for me 😆
Hi brspiritus – Glad to hear that you'll make it home more quickly than you expected! Good idea on the podcast.
Hi Bob, Greetings from Portland Oregon. Really enjoy your blog. My wife is from Cebu City. I hope to retire there someday. Travel to cebu every year.Thanks for keeping us all up to date on events there.
Hi Steven – I moved here from Vancouver, Washington, so I am very familiar with your area! Thanks for your comment, and I wish you all the best! 😀