Expat Advice: Relationships in Angeles City, Philippines

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Angeles City

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

Married to a Filipina woman for over seven years now and Living in the Philippines.

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

Basically life is good. The difference can be and is at times frustrating on a daily basis. But even so, I love it here and being married is fantastic.

If you have children, what advice would you give to others making a similar transition to your country of residence?

We have an eight year old daughter that was born here in the Philippines.

Anyone that is thinking of moving here with children from another country should take more than just a second look at the country before making the decision to move.

Although the Philippines is a nice place in many ways, it is also a very dangerous 3rd world country.

Kidnap for ransom is common place here and your children could be at risk. Law enforcement is of little value here and at times are the ones responcible for the crimes.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

Most of our activities revolve around our family. Our daughter is with us most of the time when not in school.

We travel in country quite a bit and spend probably too much time at shopping malls. Not to spend or buy much; but just to get our on weekends and enjoy the concerts and other entertainment that the malls provide.

If you are married or in a relationship with a person of another nationality, how has this experience enriched you as a person. What kind of challenges do you face?

Hmmm, women are hard to figure out to begin with. But when you add the asian twist into it, it's most difficult at times.

Naturally, my wife would agree to the same in reverse also. For a Filipina being married to a foreigner is challanging for them also. But it keeps things interesting and very enjoyable too.

If you are a single parent, what advice would you give to others considering moving abroad?

USE EXTREME CAUTION and remember you must put the best interest of your children first.

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

Try to relax and realize that although the local don't do things "our way", even backwards at times; this is their country and we are visitors here.

The will not change to meet our wants or needs and we must learn to just live with that fact and deal with the frustration that it causes.