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Dumaguete

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Bill8558
  4/9/2015 13:14 EST

I am researching retiring internationally from the US. I ran across one of those ten best places in the world to...(fill in the blank). In the case of this list is was "to retire interantionally." Dumaguete was on that list, and made it sound very attractive...especially to me as it spoke of great diving, which is my favorite activity, a great university which means youthful vibrant and cultural, and a fine hospital which is certainly desirable. The City is about the right size for my tastes, not a huge metropolis but big enough to have a selection of restaurants, super markets, services etc. without being too big manage. Yet Betsy from the Expat Exchange in her article lists the six best in the PH and Dumaguete did not make her list. Obviously it is not both one of the ten best on the planet and not in the best six in the PH. And there is little mention of Dumaguete on this Forum. What are the negatives of Dumaguete which results in receiving what appears to be little notice here? Note: I lived several years in Thailand and Mexico, and am aware of being very careful about jumping into anything, I will visit several places after doing research to narrow the list, will rent for months before making any final decisions, etc...I am just wondering if I should take Dumaguete off the visit list, if so why, and where if anywhere should I visit in the PH and why? Any assistance with these questions would be very much appreciated.

cheftech
  4/9/2015 14:15 EST

I too am interested. My son will be there at the end of April, looking for condo's to purchase.

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cheftech
  4/9/2015 14:50 EST

Check out https://www.dumagueteinfo.com/ and https://twitter.com/Dumaguete_Info

chance2013
  4/9/2015 16:23 EST

The fact that you have lived in Mexico and Thailand will help you, but Philippines is not as well organised as either of those. The infrastructure here is not good. Unfortunately i cant tell you on personall experience about Dumaguete not been there yet, but it is one of the plaves i considered. If you prefer a cooler climate, i would suggest Tagaytay. Its very clean, safe, lots of resto's, live music venues, plus near enough to Manila if you need it. Just outside of Tagaytay is Alfonso, very rural, but clean, safe and cool. The rental prices are much lower than the town centre, but you would need a car, or at the very least a motorcycle. I drove through Sta Rosa Laguna yesterday, i was very impressed, nice and clean, very modern town centre, would be worth a look i think. If you want more expats around you then, Clark and subic bay are popular. Bagiou is again very cool, but for me driving up and down that bloody mountain is a no no, but its a nice city.
My advice to you is to come here dont put down roots straight away, if you are traveling alone, buy a car, new if you can afford it with satnav, and travel, find what YOU like. Driving is a nightmare especially in the city, but once out in the provences its quite nice really. I dont need to tell you to be aware, your savvy enough to know that. It will be a culture shock, it is not all wine and roses here, but if your careful, wise, and dont just fall for a pretty face its a great place to retire. I wish you luck.

Bill8558
  4/9/2015 16:41 EST

Interesting, I will look at your suggestions. some are not by the sea which would rule them out for me but I will take a look. Buying a new care there right off had not occurred to me. Many thanks.

poochewer
  4/9/2015 18:11 EST

Dumaguete has a lot of foreigners. So much so that they are rumored to be having a mini war between themselves.
It is a reasonable size city , but quite far enough away from any other city.

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jasonkennedy
  4/10/2015 08:13 EST

I am also interested in learning about Dumaguete.

TitoMike
  4/10/2015 08:13 EST

Bill8588

If only it could be that easy. If Betsy has the down-low, I'd go where Betsy lives.

Most of the people tending the "ten best places" to do anything probably gather their data from the same internet sources you do and present it as fact.

If you're fixed on the Philippines, the only way to acquire the knowledge you desire is to come and look. Six or seven months, with two weeks here and 6 weeks there, then back again to two or three standouts should fill the bill.

Do this for yourself. I dare say other people's views are likely to be somewhat subjective.

Bill8558
  4/10/2015 09:45 EST

I have found lots of good things about Dumaguete on-line, and initiated this post to learn the place specific negatives knowledgeable folks might share. I am getting good general advice about the PH and such, which I appreciate. Place specific negatives from those who know the city and area have not yet come to the fore. Maybe because it is PERFECT? I have my doubts!! I am trying to narrow the places I will spend a year or so visiting, and those I find initially appealing will live in for several months before committing to one. This process will not be limited to the PH by any means. Best, Bill.

Bill8558
  4/10/2015 09:48 EST

Please let me know your son's experiences...have you or he been before? if so you and or he were obviously impressed. Why? What did you not like about Dumaguente specifically--even though the plusses outweighed those negatives? Many thanks.

jasonkennedy
  4/10/2015 21:47 EST

Let me know if you find out about furnished apartments for rent near the beach.

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Nephi
  4/10/2015 22:12 EST

@Jason Kennedy, Have you ever considered Subic? There are furnished apts up on Crown Peak above the Cubi Point airport. Use to be the old BPQ quarters. Now they are furnished apts. All are furnished and are accessed thru indoor hallways.
I don't know the amt of rent but I do know renters pay their own electric pwr.


Nephi

jasonkennedy
  4/12/2015 20:59 EST

Thanks Nephi. I saw those apartments across from the zipline place, but I didn't check them out or get prices.

Nephi
  4/12/2015 22:06 EST

You're welcome Jason, They are not large and not fancy by any means; but they are adequate and will do until something else more permanent can be located. One good thing with those apartments is that if ya don't want to drive or are having problems with a vehicle, there is a city bus system that runs even up there every 20 or 30 minutes and makes a large loop all over the base. Fare use to be P20.00 as I recall but could be higher now. If I have not posted it before, have a look at the Subic Chamber of Commerce site located here: http://sbfcc.com/


Its a good starting place and they may have rental listings and ideas as well.


Nephi

jasonkennedy
  4/17/2015 06:46 EST

Thanks again Nephi. A 20 peso shuttle in Subic is pretty amazing. I spent 6 months in Baloy Beach and the commutes got to be VERY expensive!

Nephi
  4/17/2015 06:59 EST

Hey Jason, you're welcome but ya need to know that info and especially the cost of bus service is about 5 years old.

If you email with the chamber of commerce they may have better and more current information.


Nephi

pronse
  5/12/2015 22:08 EST

If it's too good to be true, it probably is!

This, applies to Dumaguete and Philippines for that matter. Cheap? Oh ya but for a very good reason.

I lived a full year in Davao city, visited Cebu, Manila and stayed for a while in Dumaguete.

Dumaguete was NOISY like hello! Heck, it's in the Philippines :)

Here is what I didn't like in general...
1- Once the Filipino see that you are different, and we are, the price quadruples ! One time, I went to a tricycle to take me home. he wanted 12 times the usual amount of 5 Pesos! When I asked him why so expensive he said, "I will be using my legs for you" :)

2- Filipinos will side against the foreigner no matter what!

3- You think you want to drive? Heck, any police officer will stop you for whatever reason just to take a briber from you or put you in jail (dungeon) if you don't pay!

4- Want to walk on side walks? There are none coz the government official incharge prefers to pocket the sidewalks money instead of building one. Want to say so? People will side against you. Reason? You are not filipino :)

5- The rain pours like hell every night. And with a non existent infrastructure there is no way you cam go any where?

6- You are considered a walking ATM machine just because you are a foreigner!

7- The worst food one has ever eaten.

8- Very corrupt government and businesses, Ever seen a senator who is at the same time a TV presenter?

But ... their women are killers :)

Pronse.

Phellie
  5/13/2015 03:25 EST

Pronse, that is so funny. I can relate. Like the taxi driver that wanted to change me 1,000pho fr International airport to a motel 5 klm away, and another taxi driver I asked to take us from T3 to T2 asked how much he said 400 pesos I said no leave my bag I'll get another cab. Next cab arrived within seconds, I said I'll give you 200 pesos from T3 to T2 he said Ok.

Always have a Filipino with you when you shop or you'll pay big time.

pronse
  5/13/2015 16:07 EST

Haha...
I was going from T1 to T3 and the 'official' said it's 1250 P for 'private' taxi. I said no, I am spending the night in Manila then :) He dropped it and right away to 750 P :) I said ok. Heck, I wasn't going to spend the night in that hell hole called Manila :)

As for having a Filipino ask for the price of anything, I hide behind my gf. She does that for me :)

Phellie
  5/14/2015 05:34 EST

Lol you are right, it is a hell hole, but if you go directly to the shuttle service to a decent hotel with food and TV it's not so bad because the air con blocks out most of the outside noise.

Met man from Melbourne that bought a condo in Makati Mall of Asia ... I just shook my head why would anyone want to live in Manila it is an absolute nightmare getting around there, doesn't matter what vehicle you are in. And you definitely don't take too much notice of the driving. There is no way on earth I would drive there, I mean these drivers have skills, just missing other vehicles by centimeters and they all think it's normal. I'd need a shot of Valium and half my brain missing before I took my life into my own hands and drove in that mess.
PS I can't scroll back up to see any errors, apologizing now.

CAteacher
  5/14/2015 09:43 EST

Phillie, I wonder if you have spent time in Makati. It's pricy, but it is a very nice place. For the most part, it looks and feels like many towns in the U.S.

Phellie
  5/15/2015 00:21 EST

CAT, in fact I haven't, but there never seems to be fresh air or a breeze in the mid to southern parts of Luzon. So much concrete. I have lived in cities before in Australia and am more inclined to the slow peaceful life of the country/rural areas.

I think we may venture further south. We have our eye on a nice lot in the country next to good friends and the lots is big enough to have a veggie garden and a couple of fruit trees, with the bonus of a breeze most days and evenings. Just have to get my head around the head banging music that I'm told stops about 10pm, or when I cut the plug from their boom box lol.

Cavite is an area I have stayed for a couple of weeks, another hot place and so noisy, with the thumping music 6am until late, drove me senseless. I couldn't wait to get out of there, although the people I met were gracious and friendly.

Only hiccup to the location we are looking at is the possibility of Muslims extremists, however their presence is not in nor near the immediate baranguys or for at least 200-300 ks and our neighbour is well armed. To date there have never been Muslims in the area or any trouble. That said, I watch and read keenly what the bent Filipino Government will do with the proposed bribe by the MILF/BIFF to possess and live in mid north extending south in Mindanao, if they give up their weapons. Seriously, does the Philippines Govt really think these groups will hand over all their weapons, and even if they do, what is stopping them from re-arming. The more probable outcome would be if the govt does not agree to the MILF/BFF proposal then war brakes out. If they agree then we can count the years before Mindanao is no longer part of the Philippines but owned by Muslims. But that is a other story ... time will answer the doubts. (Oops apologies for the epistle, lol).

pronse
  5/15/2015 16:56 EST

I lived in Davao, which is south of Mindanao, for a year. I chose it to retire based on my previous visits to Manila (sucks) and Cebu.

It's below the typhoon belt where any thing to the South of Cebu is OK. It has a big chunk of land so it's (I thought), better.

I came out with one conclusion about the Philippines... it's a s h i t hole and that's why it's cheap.

You end up living in the midst of a population that don't want you but it smiles to your bank account anywhere you go and in any business you do.

There is absolutely nothing about the Philippines except may be their women :)

chance2013
  5/16/2015 08:29 EST

Well pronse the Philippines was not for you that's for sure. There Arse so many things wrong here definitely, some of us can live with it others find it unbearable. I am a selfish barstuard so i put up with the crap.

pronse
  5/16/2015 16:41 EST

Dude...
Should one live his life or just be there?

Ever wondered why lots of foreigners just leave and never go back?

Ever wondered why Filipinos themselves call their country "The big jail"?

poochewer
  5/16/2015 18:43 EST

Ever wondered why thousands upon thousands of foreieners live and stay in the Philippines, and return here, time and time again?
Duh cos we like it. Its a good place.

chance2013
  5/16/2015 20:52 EST

To be honest I live a much better life here than I could in the UK have a much bigger nicer car here than I could afford in UK my house here 2 years old on suite bathroom good sized rooms would cost a fortune in UK plus heating bills. Philippines has a lot of problems its not the USA or UK its a poor country called the Philippines. Come here and think its gonna be like home your in for a massive shock. In general Philippines can be dirty, noisy and sometimes dangerous place to live. And it most definitely is not for everyone. Foreigners who make it here are usually generally more laid back, accepting their lot and get on with living their life as peacefully as possible.
Philippines can be hell on earth, or it can be a lot of fun and beautiful, its up to you.

pronse
  5/22/2015 18:53 EST

So, it's nice coz it's cheap?

Sidewalks? Open drainage system right in the middle of anywhere at night when there is no lights?

Yes, I am talking about major cities and not provinces.

People who follow the "Bahalal" cultures which means...
"Why bother? what's going to happen will happen and I have to do nothing".

Ever noticed that dazed look in their eyes whenever you talked to a Filipino?

The Philippines is pretty much taken over by a gang (Filipinos and Chinese) who enslave Filipinos and whoever wants to live there.

I don't enjoy this .. but may be others do!

chance2013
  5/22/2015 19:49 EST

Well pronse its horses for courses, you hate the place and that's fine, there are many things here i dont like, but there are many things i dont like at home. Those of us who stay make it work for us, didn't like a lot of things I witnessed in USA as well. To live here you have to be adaptable if not you will be miserable thats for sure. I wish you luck pronse wherever you decide to live.

chance2013
  5/22/2015 19:55 EST

Have to admit tho pronse most of what you say is the truth, no good wearing rose tinted glasses here the truth hits you in the face lol. So not disagreeing with you at all, I see most of the things you say on a daily basis.

tlallen59
  5/22/2015 20:46 EST

pronse, if you hate it here so much why are you a part of this group of expats. We all take the bad with the good I think.

pronse
  5/25/2015 19:06 EST

This group is for ANYTHING about the Philippines and not just for a group that likes it. Otherwise, the world would become flat!

I don't like living in the US but then, I don't like this 'living' in the Philippines either and I challenge anybody who says I didn't say the truth!

Let's be honest. It's cheap but really, if that's all you could afford (which the main reasons why you like it), then I say, Is living just existing?

EuroBob
  5/26/2015 02:10 EST

In my opinion, "Living" is not "just existing".

It is easier to "live" if one has food in their belly, shelter, and good health.

But, the secret to "living" has nothing to do with what one can afford to buy and everything to do with attitude.

So, no matter where one lives, it is one's attitude to life which can have the most significant impact on the quality of one's life.

(just my two cents/pesos/kroners)

tlallen59
  5/26/2015 18:01 EST

I'm with you EuroBob.

bang4dabuck
  5/27/2015 19:34 EST

Chance - Thailand, besides the language barrier, how does it compare to the Phils ? I would consider it and then some south or central American like Panama, Costa Rica (or should I say rico) or Argentina/Uraguay(a little cold for me).

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