Hi guys,

My Filipino wife and I are heading out to the Subic/Olongapo area next month with a view to finding a property to rent/buy, or land to build on, in preparation for a permanent move around September time.

Does anyone here have any contacts in the the area that may be able to point us in the direction of reputable agents, etc?

Many thanks
Brian

You are best just driving around the areas you are interested in as the Philippines doesn't really do the reputable agent bit. If you do find one you will be paying way over the odds, and it won't be to the owner.

Okay, thanks Gazza-d. I did wonder - we looked at some well-placed land just outside Olongapo on our last trip, so may well end up back there.

Our place is about 15 miles inland from Olongapo, far enough to be out of the hustle and bustle but near enough for a bit of shopping.

That's the kind of location we're looking for - I don't fancy being stuck in the city. Nearer the sea is a little more appealing with fresher air and easier access for fishing

As it is a bay it can be a bit polluted, either side of the city is best athough I'm not sure how far south you need to go because the base blocks access, you might need to head down into Bataan a bit then back to the coast.

Yes, sussed that bit, although I may even get access to the base as my wife's father was a General in the Philippine army and her mother was a lawyer to Imelda Marcos

There are nice residences in the base although a lot of the old US accomadation is getting a bit tired now days. The base attracts a lot of expat and has better water/electric/roads/security etc than the city, but you pay for it.

There are big shopping malls and hotel and entertainment venues in the base which an attraction

Thanks for the advice - we shall investigate further when we get there next month. Good internet is going to be fairly important as I can then still work remotely if required. I believe they've been putting in fibre in the area recently so that should help, albeit, as you say, 'you pay for it!'

Not sure about the fibre, although if anywhere has it I would think the base would be first. Our village doesn't even have a land line. Internet can be very hit or miss and change daily.

Yes, I did 'laugh' at a tv ad I saw when I was there last that was advertising the new 'superfast' internet of up to 7Mbs...ahem...20 years ago maybe!

20 years ago? I live in rural malaysia and I'm lucky to get 2Mbs.

Scratcher

That is double the standard speed we get from PLDT along with a dynamic Ping up to 700 a time.

Count your blessings and your ping!!

I love Malaysia, the asawa dos not. Which part are you in

Im staying in rural Johor, about 45 minutes from Johor Bahru.

Scratcher