I’ve gotten a lot of response to my articles over the past couple of weeks, related to my recent visit to Cebu City. The response has been both through comments on the site, and also e-mails sent to me privately from people who have read the articles. It seems that these type of articles have hit on something that there is a demand for. Because of that, I’ve made a decision.
Seeing the level of acceptance and interest in seeing comparisons of different cities and regions of the Philippines, I have decided that I am going to start traveling regularly, and using those travels to bring more of this type of information to LiP readers. It is very obvious to me that there is a great deal of demand for the kind of information that I have featured over the past couple of weeks. Through communications with readers, I have also realized that there is demand for other information that can be gathered on such trips. For instance, people have e-mailed me asking things like:
How much is it to rent a house in Cebu?
And other such questions. Because of this, I have decided to come up with a list of information that I intend to gather in each location I visit. If there is certain information that you feel would be helpful to you about various places in the Philippines, please leave a comment letting me know what questions I can answer for you. Also, what cities or provinces do you have an interest in?
Now, I also have to consider, and want you as a reader to consider that doing a project like this is not something that will be inexpensive. It has great costs in terms of cash outlay and also in terms of my time. Because of the cost factor, I must consider two things:
- Ways to monetize the collection of such information.
- Ways to minimize the cost.
What do I mean when I say “ways to monetize?” Well, I mean ways to bring in a little money through the effort, at least enough to pay for the costs involved. There are many ways to do this, all of which I have in mind. At this point, I need to consider which monetization methods would be best. Firstly, which will successfully pay for the project, and secondly, which will be best for me and for the readers. One method that I feel might have merit is to publish general information about the areas I visit here on the LiP site, and then selling more detailed specific information in the form of books. This way, people can get general information for free, but those who have a real interest in researching the possibility of living in the place can spend a reasonable amount of money to get the information that they would benefit from.
When I mention that perhaps I would sell detailed information in the format of a book, what I have in mind is that I would put together a complete guide for each city. For example, let’s say that I visited Cebu. I would have a book that would include specific information about living there. How much do things cost there? What amenities are available there? What can you do there? Are there many other expats living there? A whole list of specific answers to your questions. This guide book would sell for perhaps $20 or so. Or, since I will be visiting many different cities and provinces, maybe you could get 4 guides to different places for $49, 8 different guides for $79 and so on. So, the more different guides you would purchase, the cheaper they are per guide. Now, remember, general information about each place would be available for free on the site, anybody can read those. But, for detailed information, you would be able to buy that.
Next consideration is how to minimize the cost of the project. My idea here can actually accomplish two things. What I am thinking of is trying, as much as possible, to find people who live in the places I visit who would be willing to host me at their house for a day or two when I visit. For example, if I were going to go to Baguio, perhaps I could announce it a few weeks in advance here on LiP and ask if there is anybody who can host me for a night or two. By doing that, it cuts out hotel costs, and also I feel that by staying with people who actually live in the area, I would get a better feel of how it is to live in the area, a more natural feeling than a hotel stay. So, this could have a dual edged benefit: better information, and lower cost of traveling.
So, what do you think? Firstly, is this something that would interest you in reading LiP? Would the information be interesting and valuable to you? Secondly, what information would you be looking for? Thirdly, if I did a detailed report on a place, what things are available there, what the costs were, a collection of photos of the area and such, would you be willing to spend maybe $20 or so for such detailed information? Fourth, which areas are you interested in? Fifth, if you live in the Philippines, would you be willing to host me for a night or two?
Thanks to everybody who can help me out with these questions, and help me decide on what direction to go with this idea. Without your help, I may not be going in the right direction that the readers would want to see. With your help, I can target the things that are important to readers of the site.
Let’s talk!
Hey Bob, we have a house in Alaminos, Pangasinan that is available for you for free for a week or so if you want. Alaminos is near Hundred Islands, Bolinao, etc. I remember our caretaker said that there are some expats living around town.
In Baguio, I can help you hook up with the locals in the area. We just sold our house there this year. Let me know.
Hi Bob
That is a good idea, the Philippines has a wide varity of culture and
sceenery, weather its mountains,or the Sea, or just good country living, I think there is something here for all of us, the majority
or your readers seem to middle age men looking for that second chance in life,like myself , you are always welcome in Pozorrubio Pangasian.
I will leave the light on
Hi Bob,
An interesting idea. I think that you would need to gather a lot of information on an area in order to publish a "guide", certainly more information that you could gather in a few days visit. Right now, for example, I think that, if I needed it, I would certainly purchase a guide to Davao city from you, but I doubt if I'd be so keen to buy one on Cebu, given the length of your stay there. Even a book written by someone who'd spent a month's vacation somewhere could only really be a scratch on the surface of the real place. Now, it's not that I'm downing your idea; just voicing a thought. However, I think that you could create an approximate format for an area guide, fill out most of the blanks with information gained from, and this is critical, a considerable number of resident ex-pats to balance opinion. Your contribution could then be a chapter based on your impressions as a brief visitor.
…just my initial thoughts; I am sure there's a good idea in there. I always found the "rough guide" series books great, maybe there's a format there that could be drawn on? I also know that people do like to read books about people's travels; I'm not sure if you're familiar with Bill Bryson's books. Two of his books that come to mind are "down under" and "travels in Europe". Both of these had me captivated, both for the type of information contained therein, and also his entertaining writing style.
Hi Bob, what about creating an Iphone/Itouch app, you can also publish your book on the Itunes store. I would also contact hotels and ask for a "FAM" room (Familiarization) these are given for free to travel trade folks. I would hope the DOT would be all over this idea since your reach is their target market.
kamusta bob
i think your travel guide would be great for people who are interested in coming to mindanao.like places to stay and things to see as well as places for foreigners to stay away from.i say try a guide to davao and that actually covers alot of teritory.mabe even ask the lip readers where they might think would be of greatest interest.just a few thoughts bob. i even was hoping you would make another video of a road trip like you did last year.i really love the videos you made.at christmas time especially when u give to the less fortunate.that makes for great video.actually its been 2 years since i was last in mindanao.i guess the videos make me miss my home away from home.i also think that alot more retired people would come to philippines if they were better informed.i have told alot of people on this small island where i live and tell tales of utopia and paradise in philippines.my filipina and 2 year old son arriving in usa next week and im so exited to see them.its been a long road with immigration but love will prevail.
salamat bob
hi bob,
that is a good idea, i think davao is over publicized already, all of the lip reader here knows that you are the expert when it comes to davao and no question about it, I guess it is time for you to roam around the country, that way you can cover different lifestyle in different provinces, with a little help from other reader who could house you for a couple of days or weeks while you are gathering informations.
I hope many Lip reader will support your new ideas.
Hi Gerry – Thank you for your hospitality! If I make it up to Pangasinan, I will certainly keep you in mind! And, Baguio too. 😉
Hi James – Thank you so much for your hospitality too. When I am headed down the highway, I'll keep an eye out for the light that you are leaving on! 😀
Hi Bob – Some consideration may need be given to keeping your guides up to date. (I know, I know, things move slower there and then there's Philippine Time; but time in any shape or form has a nasty habit of imparting change. 😉 ) Using a "list of specifics" format for every location, fed by a database, could do it for you I would imagine. Side benefit would be the ability to make comparisons among the locations. I'm sure your "IT People" could get something like that going! 🙂
Hi Jim – 🙂 Funny, we are on the exact same wavelength here. I just didn't mention some of my plans. 😉 I planned that I would meet with some expats, and also with local Filipinos and get them to write short pieces for the guides. Gathering basic information on prices and other things that are important to live somewhere should not take too much time, with the help of local people.
Hi John – Not sure how much demand there would be for such an app, but it is something to consider. I do also plan to discuss my idea with the DOT as well.
Hi Ron W – I am not really considering doing this as a "travel guide" but rather a guide for living there. What it is like to live there, basic information on living there, etc. There are lots of travel guides out there, but I know of no "living guides" and that is what is on my mind.
I'll be doing more videos, don't worry. Right now, I have kind of lost interest in videos, but my interest in things comes and goes. I'll do more videos when the time is right.
Hi dans – Thanks for your interest and your suggestion. Yes, I also feel that we have an over-exposure of Davao on LiP, which is one of the reasons why I try not to bring on any more Davao writers, although I know plenty of people who would do it. I want to expand into other areas outside of Davao, and outside of Mindanao. Doing something like this could help get that started.
Hi Paul – Yes, keeping something like this up to date is always a job, but it can be done. Some things don't change, but others would change nearly constantly.
Hello Bob ,
Sounds like a wonderful plan, I would love to be your host as soon as I and Norma get settled into living in Bohol.I plan to be in Philippines by Aug.
Have you heard anything about travelers from USA being quarantined to prevent spread of the flu?
Ralph E. Castillo
Hola Bob: You stay my place in Zamboanga! I no allow my Abu Sayyaf friends visit that week! Ha ha. Joke only Bob, I don't like the guys.
Hi Ralph – I would enjoy seeing you again, and Bohol is certainly on my list of "must visit" places! So, your offer will gladly be accepted!
I have heard of no such quarantines for swine flu here. They screen passengers arriving at the airport, but other than that, there should be nothing out of the ordinary.
Take care, Ralph!
Hi Carlin – I've already got you down on my list! Keep those ASG guys at bay for a few days when I visit, OK? I'll even go with you to the Sabongan!
An interesting idea Bob. Sure, there are many travel guides out there already on book store shelves and websites for on line buying. A " guide to living in ( you name the city ) " might be a good concept. With many of these published travel books and considering how fast things can change many times the information in these books is out of date by the time the book is printed and distrubuted to the retail book stores and on-line sellers. Many are updated editions of previous additions. The same goes for some websites that have grown kind of " stale ". I was reading one the other day and under the hotels section, one of the hotels mentioned is out of business and long gone.
By actually visiting the places you write about reflects the way a city or locality is at the present time and with web distribution there is little time loss as there might be with publishing and printing the book store kind of guide.
Interesting Idea Bob if there is enough interest in a " Guide to Living in " one city or another.
One item that might be useful might be about radio and TV. I brought a radio with me on my visits but found little in English Language on the radio stations.
Hi Bob
I have a condo in Baguio, so if you decide to visit there, you're more then welcome to stay there. I am here in the U.S. so I would not be able to host you. I always enjoy reading about your travels as they are very interesting and gives me some idea of the places are like. I know there are some sites that are dedicated to other cities mainly Cebu so those might have enough detailed info on those places. You might want to visit other cities that you think are of iterest to people vacationing or retiring to that does not have a huge amount of info online. I'm thinking of CDO, Bacolod, Dumaguette, Baguio, Tagaytay and other popular places.
Hi Bob NY – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think that the interest is there, it's just a matter of whether the amount of interest can pay for the project or not. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Neil – I appreciate the offer. Baguio is one of the main places that I think needs to have additional exposure. There is a LOT of interest in Baguio (one of the reasons is the weather), but not that much info available on the net, from an expat point of view.
Expect to hear from me! I don't like imposing… but since you offered… why not? 😀
Bob; I think that Jim Hannah's concern is spot on. Just looking at the inquiries on the forum and in the comments (I'm certain you receive hundreds more monthly), there are many regarding areas that are not so popular. Might I add two suggestions seen from a marketing and business perspective?
1. Since the regions / provinces are different and varied, perhaps a single book, divided in sections for each city / region/ province. I say this because there is a great deal of information that is common to all regions, and you could have a section for each specific area in addition. The other reason I say this is that I see a number of "Which area is better?" or "Should I move to…?" type questions. This also keeps your customers to a single, all-encompassing guide, rather than dividing sales or involving expeses in a guide that might have only limited interest to a small group of people.
2. The other suggestion I have is that rather than a book, offer a paid online web conference "consultation" with those hoping to live there. You could employ expats in each region (say at 40% of the fee) to directly conference with the buyers. Someone pays a fee and gets a 20 minute live consultation / q&a session, a 10 page or so "fact sheet" in PDF format(housing costs, local info) for the specific region they are interested in. It could provide some extra cash for expats that have the time, gives your customers local information that is, in effect, "customized", and generate a little cash flow for you.
Hi John – Thanks for sharing your ideas. The live consultation is an idea that has merits. I was already thinking in terms of a all-encompassing guide as well. Also, one for all of Mindanao, all of the Visayas and all of Luzon might make an interesting thought too. Also I had a suggestion from a friend here in Davao to make up a checklist of things and then saying which cities fit that thing. For example, the checklist might have "golf, swimming, theater, cultural, beaches" and then you look at which items are of interest to you, and that could help you decide which cities to consider.
Hi Kenney – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am curious, where in Mindanao do you live?
Sounds like a good idea Bob. I can remember the days where I had so many of those questions, and still do on some places. I do think the lower the price you can keep, the more response you will get. People tend to spend when the price is low, as they don't think about a small amount such as 10 dollars. I would let you stay at our place, but not know what you would write as we live on Mindano, in the country. Myabe how to rasie pig, and chickens. ( ha ha ) but you are welcome.
the all encompassing guide would be interesting.
Hi Bob – You know, on second thought, I don't know if I want a bunch of "puti" potential expats snooping around my "Garden of Eden" – have my hands full with the "Westernized Balikbayans" returning and building palaces in the area. 😆
Of course, that was tongue in cheek – meant to add an unspoken thought possessed by many pinoy/pinay natives who have had to watch such construction through the "window" of their bahay cubo. Might not be a bad idea to add a "culture climate" paragraph based on interviews with the locals. As you may know, in Hawaii the local sentiment is come, visit, go home (your money can stay)! 😆
Hi Bob,
Good ideas there,personally i don't have much interest in Manila or Cebu City, just too busy for retirement purposes.
Outside Mindanao i've always been interested in Dumaguete City and intrigued by Bacolod City,2 places i intend to visit one day.
Bacolod has similarities with Davao City in terms of awards like,cleanest and greenest city,most competive and livable mid size city in PI etc.Although it has a pop 500,000 people i never seem to here of many expats living there,although its easily accessable from Cebu or Manila.
regards Chas.
Hi Brian – Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Paul – I used to live in Washington State. Across the border in Oregon they had that same saying, come, visit and go home! 😆
Hi Chasdv – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My personal primary interest is Mindanao and The Visayas, but who knows, maybe I'll really get into Luzon too! 😀
Hi Bob,
I think the main benefit of visiting somewhere like Baguio would be meeting local expats and hopefully finding writers from other areas to broaden LiP. The guide idea is Ok but I think readers would be better served by local writers regularly updating basic "live in" facts for a variety of cities as opposed to your "one off" visit.
Maybe rather than a book which dates quickly you could add a membership area to Lip which contains the more specific information for each city you are referring to – membership could cost readers an annual fee which maybe you could split with your writers. This may have the advantage of encouraging people to write as well.
Just my two bobs' worth 😆
Hi Michael – You guys are a quick group! Darn it! Actually, the membership area of the site is something I've been kicking around for about 6 months now, and have discussed with a few other people. Just a few hours ago, one of the people I have discussed this with wrote to me and suggested that I make the guides part of the premium area of the site.
Hi Bob/Michael,
I go along with that idea too.
regards Chas.
Hi chasdv – As I told Michael, it is something I've been considering. I have some ideas too on how the premium content section would work, access to it, etc. I believe that it could be something pretty good for the site. The part of the site that we have now, for the most part would remain as it is now. We would add a premium content area to the site, though, and that would be content that would be provided on a subscription basis. I'll be considering it more, and see how I feel after a bit longer.
Kamusta ka Bob,
Alot of great ideas floating around, just not sure which is the best Bob.
I like Johns ideas and have sections for each area you write about, also Michaels idea as well with the membership section of LiP.
Getting the information you need, and traveling is the hard part. Of course, you couldn't do it all by yourself, you would need help from people's living in those areas.
Of course the areas I am most interested in learning about are not mentioned here, and I understand why that is, because there are not a lot of expats living in the Provinces of Northern and Southern Leyte, actually there are a lot but I guess don't contribute to the LiP site.
I look forward to seeing the outcome of these combined ideas. If you decide to go to Southern Leyte, Maasin City area. I will talk to Rose about hosting you there..for sure.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
All really good ideas Bob. City-based or by region, or both. Online and/or paper format. With a link to a web-update site for things like prices. Street maps would be great, by the way, with photos linked to marked map-positions?
I also think the idea of the membership area is good. We have here already more valuable information than I ever get time to read through! so some kind of subscription has to be ok, after all. Apart from helping with costs, a membership system can make 'moderation' a lot easier I would imagine.
Hi Danny – Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your ideas, and your thinking.
Hi jonaky – Thankfully, moderation duties are not too difficult for this site. From time to time we will get a trouble-causer who tries to make problems, but thankfully it doesn't happen often.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
bohol is nice i stayed there for a while when i visited cebu ,panglao,talbilarin,carmen(chocholate hills) very nice not crowded like cebu and cheaper and cleaner and the people are even more friendlier than cebu! i am trying to convince my wife for us to stay there instead of mandaue or tayud.i heard dumaguete in negros is nice also!
I think this site is absolutely superb; not only from an informational point of view but also from a human interest point of view.
I was absolutely fascinated with your bus trip to Northern Cebu. I believe the best story teller is the one one who can keep the story simple and you have that ability Bob. I was practically sitting with you at the front of the bus looking out at the incoming traffic.
Would it be possible to approach resorts, hotels ect for advertisemets. I think the guide idea for different parts of the Philippines is simply fantastic and I hope you find a way to monetize the effort so it will be worthwhile for you. I guess at the end of the day it is trial and error.
Living In The Pines
Great idea Sir BoB, The Authoritative Guide To living In The Philippines. (Everything you wanted to know about the Pines but were afraid to ask!)
Look I am sure the concept has many possibilities and opportunities and rewarding challenges. There are good ideas by your readers, just pick the best ideas and throw out the bones.
What did I want to know about a place before I came to live there?
City, Town, or Province……
1) SAFETY : What is the security like, will I be safe there?
2) HEALTH : If I get sick, what is the standard of health care like, what type of hospitals are there? Are there any specific health risks in a specific area? ie Dengue, TB etc
3) ACCOMODATION, Where can I live? what options do I have, hotels for temporary stays,costs of buying a house,costs of rental accomodation.
4) Food : Can I eat Philippino style foods? Pinos love fish and rice everyday but I don't. Is the water safe to drink, can I buy bulk drinking water? Are there supermarkets so I can buy foreign style foods?
5) WEATHER : Whats the weather like year round? Does it rain a lot ( Is the Pope a Catholic?) Is it hot and humid, dry and hot, cool and humid, wet and humid. Will I need to bring a suit with me or jackets lol?
6) TRANSPORT : Getting around, whats available, pedicabs, taxis, trains, jeepneys, private hire cars, rental bikes and basic costs.
7) ELECTRICITY & WATER SUPPLIES : Is there reliable supply of water, any pressure? Is local power supply reliable and costs?
8) COMMUNICATIONS : How do I contact the outside world? Is there Land Line telephone, internet, mobile cell coverage.?
9) ENTERTAINMENT : What can I do or where can I go for amusement locally. Is there Pay TV, local TV, DVD's, where can I buy big boys toys?
10) LOCAL BOI's : Is there a local Bureau of Immigration? If not where can I go?
11) CLOTHES : What are the locals wearing and why and how much, should I buy when I get here?
I asked most of these questions, but I discovered there were stacks more that I needed to know. I also found out some of the locals haven't got a clue what us foreigners need and want. I made the mistake many many times of asking a couple of people for information and I thought they knew best because they were locals. I would like to add more but the mozzies this time of night are eating me alive!!!
Bob, you can stay in the beach house free for 3 days and 2 nights plus free board. Longer than that you will be in trouble with Feyma and you will have to pay (just kidding). Just be sure we are there at the time of your visit. There is another website, similar to yours that has already done write up of how much it will cost monthly to live in several places in Philippines, including Marinduque, but it is not up to date. So an updated version as what you are planning will be very useful. Good luck on your idea!
The web master of the other site is Don Herrington. You probably know him. He has been residing in Cebu since 1996 with Filipina wife, Ani. I also enjoy reading his website, a lot of specific details and facts about the Philippines not only Mindanao or Cebu.
Bob he is your competitor. So you may erased his website if you wish. I like your website better because it is updated daily and readers could make comments!
He has also assigned several American balikbayans to write on life and monthly expenses for a specific place. For example the write-up about the cost living and how is life in Marinduque for Americans and other foreigners was written by a friend of mine from Texas who married a local girl, but it is about 5 years old and definitely needs updating. A lot of new things has occurred in Marinduque, just recently
I'm honestly a little uneasy about too many ex-pats invading "my turf" I tend allign with the average locals, but I guess I've just "gone native"… I don't think my lifestyle would appeal to most anyway, and being a woman married to a filipino I don't fit the average profile.
Wow! Interesting idea Bob… We have a house in Butuan City Bob, its’ within the city proper. You are more than welcome to stay anytime you like if you’re in Butuan, you can take the family as well… I won’t be there to entertain you but, my mom would love to host while your there… We have 4 bedrooms, 2 rooms are not in use, only my mom and my niece is living in our house. Every morning my mom goes to her store, and my niece goes to school, so you have the whole house all to your self hehehehhe….
I just have to warn you that I don’t live in exclusive subdivision, once you go out to our gate, you probably see lot of kids, our house is next to barangay hall, a lot of kids playing there, they will probably say “hey Joe” in harmless way… all my neighborhood is friendly…
Just let me know when you headed that way, and I’ll provide our address & phone numbers…
Good luck…
Glad to see you taking this on Bob. It will make for interesting reading and there is not doubt it will be helpful to so many. You enjoy traveling so it will be a labor of love for you also. We have a condo in Manila that Marlou's brother live in so when there you always have a place to stay. Ron and Marlou
Bob
I think you are on to something no matter how you decide to approach it . Lots of good ideas from your readers for you to consider . As per my guest article post it's not always as easy to find specific types of information about specific locations as one might think . Now see , if you already had this up and running i could just buy a copy of Davao City Guide and save myself a lot of time . 🙂
Hi mike – Like you, I've heard many good things about Dumaguete as well. I really do want to visit there. Bohol always seems to top the list too of expat favorites.
Hi Joe – Thanks very much for your kind words. I am glad that my writing style is inviting to you and enjoyable to read. Yes, I am also thinking of approaching hotels and other tourist related companies to exchange overnight stays or other services in exchange for free advertising on the site.
Hi Boss- Thanks for your recommendations of things people would want to know, I agree that these are some of the basic things. Like you say, there would be loads more questions too. Stay away from those mosquitoes! They might give you a case of dengue!
Hi David – Wow, what a kind and generous offer. Thank you, and I expect that I will take you up on that sometime down the road.
Hi David – Yeah, I know Don. Unfortunately, he doesn't like me much, but that's OK.
Hi queeniebee – Yeah, I understand your feelings. A lot of expats feel that way, and I am somewhat on the same wavelength too. But, even if there was a huge boom in the number of expats here, the number would still be small. I don't think it is something we need to worry about.
Hi Ann – Don't worry, we are like you, we live in a similar part of town. We are not in an exclusive subdivision. We tried that for one year and did not like it. I like living the "real Philippines" not some gated community where it feels like you are in prison!
Thank you for your kind offer. Feyma and I appreciate it very much.
Hi Ron – Thanks for your support, it is much appreciated. If we make it up Manila way, I'll certainly give you a shout for possible accommodation. Thanks!
Bob: Was thinking about this a bit more on my flight home last night… You know, one type of premium content could be a "let's get started" guide or checklist of things to do when moving. The book answers the "where?" and "If I should?" questions. Here's the answers to the "How?" questions. Someone would get this "free" after buying the book or paying membership. What I'm talking about is a checklist of sorts, where you could include, for instance:
1. PDFs of all required BI forms for someoné's visa.
2. a Marriage document checklist and PDFs of forms.
3. List of local realtors.
4. List of local schools, enrollment guide, and applications.
5. Lists of BB Box shippers and movers (Approach LBS for discount Coupons in exchange for advertising to a targeted audience)
6. List of things to do back home before moving
7. a "car – buying guide" and local car dealers list
8. a list of local and international banks (and see if they will offer a deal in exchange for advertising)… Perhaps an LiP branded credit card.
9. Lists of local hospitals
10. VA and other government forms for Tri-care, Social Security, and so on.
The list could get quite large and you could charge a fairly substantial amount for this. It answers all of the "how?" questions immediately. This is effectively how the relocation consultants make their money with big corporations.
Just some thoughts, but the two products are substantial value, and I would think that people thinking about moving would want the book. Those serious about moving, a much smaller market, would really need
your checklist / guide)
Hi John – You have some pretty awesome ideas there! Some are a bit ambitious for a small operator like me (LiP Branded Credit Card?) 😯 but you have to aim high!
Thanks for sharing your ideas. This is something I am researching today.
HiBob,
Things are really hopping on the site 😆
Another suggestion I have which is a special instance of site membership is that you could several times a year hold a Master Class for people thinking of moving to the RP. The Master Class could be fee based and basically run candidates through all the steps and issues involved in planning the move and adapting once on the ground. I am sure that many people considering the move have fears that they have overlooked or are not aware of certain issues so a comprehensive class with checklists and interaction would be a valuable service in my opinion.
Hi Michael – I have actually thought of doing something very similar to that. I will have to consider it more. Thanks for your suggestion.
An additional thought, how about information on household pests that could be enocuntered there and may not be known in other parts of the world. As an example, what I think people there call " house lizzards ? " The first time I saw them they were on the ceiling of someones porch, it was night and the porch lights were on. I looked up and saw them but as they did not seem to move when I first saw them I thought they were some kind of " Decoration " . I was informed they are not harmful to people. Although I didn't want to mention this, for the sake of putting information together that Filipinos may take for granted, is the size of the roaches there ( cockroaches ) I never saw them like that and I had never heard of flying roaches. Certainly different form any that I have ever encountered here in the northeast USA. I guess things like this could be classified as " insects and pests " .
Hi Bob NY – The first time that my Mom visited here, she went to bed one night (her first night here). After a short time we heard screaming from her room, we had no idea what was possibly wrong. We ran to check what happened, she was standing up on her bed. She had seen a lizard! 😯 We quickly explained to her that they were harmless! 😉 She still didn't like it though.
Hi Bob
Your idea sounds good, years ago there was the "Cockatoo" guide to the Philippines that back in 1990 cost P400 it was about 500 pages with maps, accomadation,restarants, transport etc. I don't know if this is still printed or not but at that time was considered the best info on Philippines, just googled and found this although looking at the prices of hotels. looks like it has not been updated for years. You may like to check it out. http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/phili…
Hi Ian – Thanks for passing that along, I'll check it out. Could be helpful!
Bob, on further investigation the original publisher of the Cockatoo guide is still going now called "Philippine Travel Guide" suggest you get a copy for perusal, avaiable at national book store.
http://www.travelphil.com/internet_eng/uebernacht…
Philippines Travel Guide by Jens Peters
3rd edition 2009 / ISBN 978-3-923821-32-7 / 816 pp (plus 16 pp colour)
193 maps of islands, towns and beaches / 200 illustrations / E-mail Directory.
Dimensions: 1.2 x 4.8 x 7.1 inches / 3 x 12.3 x 18.2 cm
Price: US$ 27 (EUR 27)
The Author
Jens Peters studied advertising, communications and arts education in Berlin, Germany.
Since 1970 he has travelled several months each year in countries outside Europe. So
far he has visited the Philippines (his favourite country in South-East Asia) more than
60 times and spent over 10 years there all together. In 1977 he began travel writing and
has since worked as a freelance journalist for various travel magazines and published
several books about tropical countries. His guidebook on the Philippines was first
published in 1979 in German and has been updated constantly. He now publishes the
English edition himself as the Philippines Travel Guide.
Thanks Ian. I went today and checked out the website for the cockatoo guide. It was indeed helpful, but woefully out of date. I'll check this one and see if I can find it.
Hi Bob,
we live in Bukatian prov. and live out side a litle town, called Lunocan. My wife and baby there now, but I got about 100 days till i get there for good. work for a major airplane company, and my retirement coming soon. (Yahoo) I know I will run into you one day. I have learned its small world. Be safe.
Hi Kenney – I have never heard of Bukatian Province before. I just looked up a complete list of Philippine Provinces, and it is not there. Maybe it's a new province? Anyway, I am not sure where that is, but I do hope we bump into each other someday! Since you know what I look like, say "hi" if you see me! 😀
It sounds like z great idea Bob. May I suggest you consider creating a form on one of your wbesites and inviting people who already live in those areas to contribute? All you'd have to do is assemble a list of questions relevant to the what your are attempting to accomplish. Try to limit the number of subjective questions (opinions) to a minimum and be sure to ask them how long they've lived in a given location. Doing your research this way would greatly reduce your expenses while maximizing the amount of information available (multiple responses).
I think you're well on your way to becoming the premier website for expat information on the Philippines. With the expanded scope of coverage, you should find your ad revenue soaring as the number of hits per web page rise.
Hi David S. – Ad revenue for community sites with lots of participation like LiP is generally poor, and ad performance on LiP certainly follows that example. Most people come to LiP so often they simply become blind to the ads. Because of this, there has to be other ways to monetize things like this, because ad revenue just won't do it.
Hi bob,
I sure my spelling is wrong on that. It would be Bukidnon. When I snd things I use Manolo Fortich in my adress. I know know where Dole Pineapple is. WE are next door in a way to them. Be safe
Hi Kenney – Ah, OK, got you. So, you are in Bukidnon Province. I pass through there often, we may indeed see each other sometime. I think you mean Del Monte Pineapples, right? Dole grows there pineapples down south in South Cotabato, not in Bukidnon. Have you been to Kalawayan, the Del Monte Clubhouse. Great steaks there!
Doing things on the cheap and making a guide worth paying for may be at odds a little. It's definitely useful to have first-hand reports on local accommodations and food, for instance.
Hi Jonathan – Perhaps, but I don't necessarily agree….