Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Jun 12th 2011, 8:06 am
#31
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 65
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
The hubby, children & I previously holidayed in Cebu & enjoyed it very much.
Claudia
Claudia
Jun 12th 2011, 9:33 am
#32
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Buraydah , Saudi Arabia
Posts: 2,863
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Our new build faces east in the morning, and we have the two main bedrooms at the front, so we get the morning sun. We don't have windows on the sides of the house, for various reasons, so I fear we will not get the natural breeze we really need for cooling.
Our mansion is not expansive, or expensive, but I'd guess a quarter of the cost of a similar place in the UK.
I have no real need for company, and I'm usually quite happy on my own, but I have a few friends driving distance away when I feel the need to socialise. The wife has lots of family and friends near where we live so she is happy.
Our mansion is not expansive, or expensive, but I'd guess a quarter of the cost of a similar place in the UK.
I have no real need for company, and I'm usually quite happy on my own, but I have a few friends driving distance away when I feel the need to socialise. The wife has lots of family and friends near where we live so she is happy.
Jun 13th 2011, 12:57 am
#33
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Making friends is not always an easy pastime and most of us prefer to keep ourselves to ourselves. We made the effort to visit other ex pats on this subdivision during our house building stage 5years ago and each time were made very welcome, we spoke about weekend barbecues and combined shopping trips etc but when our place was finished NO ONE called in to see if we were okay. We see them pass by and will wave if close by but that's as far as it goes.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
Jun 13th 2011, 5:25 am
#34
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Buraydah , Saudi Arabia
Posts: 2,863
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Making friends is not always an easy pastime and most of us prefer to keep ourselves to ourselves. We made the effort to visit other ex pats on this subdivision during our house building stage 5years ago and each time were made very welcome, we spoke about weekend barbecues and combined shopping trips etc but when our place was finished NO ONE called in to see if we were okay. We see them pass by and will wave if close by but that's as far as it goes.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
Jun 13th 2011, 12:45 pm
#35
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 65
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Very good of you to objectively share your experience with us.
Claudia
Claudia
Making friends is not always an easy pastime and most of us prefer to keep ourselves to ourselves. We made the effort to visit other ex pats on this subdivision during our house building stage 5years ago and each time were made very welcome, we spoke about weekend barbecues and combined shopping trips etc but when our place was finished NO ONE called in to see if we were okay. We see them pass by and will wave if close by but that's as far as it goes.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
We also had a beach house 20 minutes away in a Barangay where I built dinghy's from marine ply. All the Filipinos made us welcome and invites came from all during the Fiestas and Christmas period. Our immediate neighbor became family friends and we were often in their house. They didn't come round to ours though??? The chap said to me one day that the average Filipino, would say to himself if something was to effect him "whats in it for me". I have always remembered this.
The party wall between our properties was OURS. Our neighbor increased the height without asking us. The wife later asked my wife if they could attach the roof to the wall top and also put a small window in the wall to give them light and ventilation. I agreed. After a few days we went to the house and discovered that the window was quite larger than we originally agreed and that their tradesman had come onto our driveway to remove tiles and cut the wall. Obviously angry, I also discovered that they intended to put a window framework onto our side of the wall??? They were also attaching furniture to our party-wall inside their house. We complained and the window became Glass blocks that look okay but here again they took advantage of our good nature. We fell out and an atmosphere was caused, I tried to make amends (although I was the injured party) but it didn't work. The daughter throws her cotton buds over the balcony and turns away when we greet her.
Other neighbors agree about our complaints over the party wall but it makes no difference. Maybe I handled it wrongly and should have sat down and talked more?? They were really nice to us, even text us during a typhoon to see if we okay and our place is much stronger than theirs. Sold the house and moved away thank goodness. Sad really because he and I chatted very often and I learned much from him.
Jun 14th 2011, 12:02 am
#36
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Its very important to plan for your extra spare days in Retirement.
By living in a tropical climate you automatically add 30% of your life quality and it should feature in your retirement plans.
We have visited 2 expats families where they proudly show us a cupboard stacked full of CD films and their huge flat screen TV. One of our friends is a very practical man but he just sits and vegetates in front of the box .....becoming bigger and bigger
Maybe he will fall foul of Diabetes who knows.
With low cost labor in third world countries, it is easy to fall into lazy habits. I spend time in my garden and the locals smile because they'll do it all for a few pounds.....some stop and offer assistance but I decline and finish the job myself, getting exercise and satisfaction from the end result.
Bring a hobby or life long ambition interest with you on retirement to keep your spirits up , VERY IMPORTANT
We also have acquaintances who begin their day with a beer at 10 am and start on the whiskey by lunch time.....nice enough chaps but what future?
By living in a tropical climate you automatically add 30% of your life quality and it should feature in your retirement plans.
We have visited 2 expats families where they proudly show us a cupboard stacked full of CD films and their huge flat screen TV. One of our friends is a very practical man but he just sits and vegetates in front of the box .....becoming bigger and bigger
Maybe he will fall foul of Diabetes who knows. With low cost labor in third world countries, it is easy to fall into lazy habits. I spend time in my garden and the locals smile because they'll do it all for a few pounds.....some stop and offer assistance but I decline and finish the job myself, getting exercise and satisfaction from the end result.
Bring a hobby or life long ambition interest with you on retirement to keep your spirits up , VERY IMPORTANT
We also have acquaintances who begin their day with a beer at 10 am and start on the whiskey by lunch time.....nice enough chaps but what future?
Jun 14th 2011, 2:31 am
#37
...............
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Far North Queensland
Posts: 17,625
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
That's so true about other countries too, not just the 'Peens. The guys drinking at 10am, used to see that a lot in Phuket. Agree with you about hobbies and interests and exercise too.
I think you can usually find some new interests and hobbies too depending where you live. That's what I'm doing now. Though there are always others who cannot find things to do - usually the ones who ask What do you do all day? Always makes me laugh a bit.
I think you can usually find some new interests and hobbies too depending where you live. That's what I'm doing now. Though there are always others who cannot find things to do - usually the ones who ask What do you do all day? Always makes me laugh a bit.
Jun 15th 2011, 12:22 am
#38
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
I spent many hours in DIY stores whilst in the UK, always had a project at home needed doing. I met some older retired guys from our company during my shopping there on occasions. One day one of these chap was standing at a crossroads between racks full of screws or plumbing fittings with a bewildered expression on his face. I asked him what he was up to (as u do) and he said that he was wondering what he was going to do at home next...
Rather sad really, but I could imagine myself in the same situation.
If you've led a busy working life it takes some adjusting to be your own boss and organize the long days.
At least here we don't have snow and ice to contend with.....or that chilly wet autumn weather
Rather sad really, but I could imagine myself in the same situation.
If you've led a busy working life it takes some adjusting to be your own boss and organize the long days.
At least here we don't have snow and ice to contend with.....or that chilly wet autumn weather
Jun 15th 2011, 5:27 am
#39
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 65
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
What a very relevant & amusing story !
Thats the challenge for my hubby & I since we currently lead pretty hectic professional lives - still we have about 3 years to prepare/adjust ourselves.
Claudia
Thats the challenge for my hubby & I since we currently lead pretty hectic professional lives - still we have about 3 years to prepare/adjust ourselves.
Claudia
I spent many hours in DIY stores whilst in the UK, always had a project at home needed doing. I met some older retired guys from our company during my shopping there on occasions. One day one of these chap was standing at a crossroads between racks full of screws or plumbing fittings with a bewildered expression on his face. I asked him what he was up to (as u do) and he said that he was wondering what he was going to do at home next...
Rather sad really, but I could imagine myself in the same situation.
If you've led a busy working life it takes some adjusting to be your own boss and organize the long days.
At least here we don't have snow and ice to contend with.....or that chilly wet autumn weather
Rather sad really, but I could imagine myself in the same situation.
If you've led a busy working life it takes some adjusting to be your own boss and organize the long days.
At least here we don't have snow and ice to contend with.....or that chilly wet autumn weather
Jun 21st 2011, 7:20 pm
#40
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 63
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Hello everyone,i am a newbie here and approaching retirement so the topic and comments are of interest to me as i have long considered the phil as a strong contender for my retirement.Ive been visiting off and on over the past 15 years and am still undecided.However I do have a rented house in Iloilo which gives me a base to check-out the area,previously i had a rented house in bagiou which i used for the same purpose.This december i plan to visit batangas & dumaguete the latter is, i think likely to suit me better because the provinces are very much cheaper than tourist spots close to manila,but i have an open mind.Also the Illonggos seem more reserved in their attitude towards foreigners but as with the rest of this its only my opinion.
Jun 21st 2011, 10:47 pm
#41
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
There is an American couple in Iloilo who have shared their home building on the internet. Bob and Carol are their names and if you search in Iloilo I'm sure you'll find them.
Its only by experiencing living in the place that you get the feel of it. too many times Retirees jump quickly into their dream home and have regrets later on when it means loosing some money in selling up.
I would stress that its important to have something to occupy your time whilst retiring, all this extra time in warm weather and friendlier economy.
Its only by experiencing living in the place that you get the feel of it. too many times Retirees jump quickly into their dream home and have regrets later on when it means loosing some money in selling up.
I would stress that its important to have something to occupy your time whilst retiring, all this extra time in warm weather and friendlier economy.
Jun 22nd 2011, 5:26 pm
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 63
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
There is an American couple in Iloilo who have shared their home building on the internet. Bob and Carol are their names and if you search in Iloilo I'm sure you'll find them.
Its only by experiencing living in the place that you get the feel of it. too many times Retirees jump quickly into their dream home and have regrets later on when it means loosing some money in selling up.
I would stress that its important to have something to occupy your time whilst retiring, all this extra time in warm weather and friendlier economy.
Its only by experiencing living in the place that you get the feel of it. too many times Retirees jump quickly into their dream home and have regrets later on when it means loosing some money in selling up.
I would stress that its important to have something to occupy your time whilst retiring, all this extra time in warm weather and friendlier economy.
Jun 23rd 2011, 12:17 am
#43
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Thanks for that Robbo, why should a perfectly good and nice couple like Bob and Carol have their website hacked, some weird intelligent people around with too much idle time on their hands, maybe the reason is jealousy, envious of people who have made a success of their lives.
Activity wise, we became involved with a tutorial group in Taal when we first arrived, there are many around and they look after the children after school. Mostly its a continuance with the schooling, home work etc.
We felt a need to help out with something, voluntary of course, visiting this group in Taal over a year whilst our house was being built. Its the Spoken English that is required and whilst all the pupils learn the written words they are shy to speak. We did have some enjoyable times. We gave chess/draughts and letter games where the pupils spoke out the required words. We organized "Charades" where a pupil was shop keeper and another was the customer. I got some lengths of rope and got them tying knots (ex scout days). Christmas time was a party and we were elected as judges to the competitions.....great fun by all. Had them singing "Londons burning" and some other "Kids" songs like the Farmyard song etc. We are not teachers, I'm an engineer but doing what we did was fun and I'm sure helpful. This could be enjoyable for a English speaking retiree and at the same time a way of meeting the local people. PS I was beaten by a toddler at my second game of chess
Activity wise, we became involved with a tutorial group in Taal when we first arrived, there are many around and they look after the children after school. Mostly its a continuance with the schooling, home work etc.
We felt a need to help out with something, voluntary of course, visiting this group in Taal over a year whilst our house was being built. Its the Spoken English that is required and whilst all the pupils learn the written words they are shy to speak. We did have some enjoyable times. We gave chess/draughts and letter games where the pupils spoke out the required words. We organized "Charades" where a pupil was shop keeper and another was the customer. I got some lengths of rope and got them tying knots (ex scout days). Christmas time was a party and we were elected as judges to the competitions.....great fun by all. Had them singing "Londons burning" and some other "Kids" songs like the Farmyard song etc. We are not teachers, I'm an engineer but doing what we did was fun and I'm sure helpful. This could be enjoyable for a English speaking retiree and at the same time a way of meeting the local people. PS I was beaten by a toddler at my second game of chess
Jun 23rd 2011, 5:59 am
#44
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 65
Re: Choosing where to live in the Philippines
Just wonderful to hear about people helping out & giving something worthwhile back as you have done. Needy children are just so vulnerable.
My hubby & I have previously assisted a Cambodian childrens' charity in a hands on manner. We also support the Salvation Army in Sydney - but could/should do more !
Claudia
My hubby & I have previously assisted a Cambodian childrens' charity in a hands on manner. We also support the Salvation Army in Sydney - but could/should do more !
Claudia
Activity wise, we became involved with a tutorial group in Taal when we first arrived, there are many around and they look after the children after school. Mostly its a continuance with the schooling, home work etc.
We felt a need to help out with something, voluntary of course, visiting this group in Taal over a year whilst our house was being built. Its the Spoken English that is required and whilst all the pupils learn the written words they are shy to speak. We did have some enjoyable times. We gave chess/draughts and letter games where the pupils spoke out the required words. We organized "Charades" where a pupil was shop keeper and another was the customer. I got some lengths of rope and got them tying knots (ex scout days). Christmas time was a party and we were elected as judges to the competitions.....great fun by all. Had them singing "Londons burning" and some other "Kids" songs like the Farmyard song etc. We are not teachers, I'm an engineer but doing what we did was fun and I'm sure helpful. This could be enjoyable for a English speaking retiree and at the same time a way of meeting the local people. PS I was beaten by a toddler at my second game of chess
We felt a need to help out with something, voluntary of course, visiting this group in Taal over a year whilst our house was being built. Its the Spoken English that is required and whilst all the pupils learn the written words they are shy to speak. We did have some enjoyable times. We gave chess/draughts and letter games where the pupils spoke out the required words. We organized "Charades" where a pupil was shop keeper and another was the customer. I got some lengths of rope and got them tying knots (ex scout days). Christmas time was a party and we were elected as judges to the competitions.....great fun by all. Had them singing "Londons burning" and some other "Kids" songs like the Farmyard song etc. We are not teachers, I'm an engineer but doing what we did was fun and I'm sure helpful. This could be enjoyable for a English speaking retiree and at the same time a way of meeting the local people. PS I was beaten by a toddler at my second game of chess
