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New Expat checking in....looking at Subic

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steve38
  5/19/2017 22:31 EST

Hey guys....just signed up and looking for some info about living in Subic. I've been down here in Leyte for 7 years now and ready for something a little less Filipino.

Immersing with the locals has been an experience, but it's time to either move back to the US or find something similar. Subic seems like a good stepping stone, or middle ground between living rough and leaving the country.

Anyways, if any of you can tell me what it's like to live there, i would appreciate it. I'm in my 40's and not ex-military

1. Is it easy to fit in if you're not retired miltary?

2. Will my bisayan wife suffer discrimination?

3. What's it like living there?

Thanks for any advice or tips, and hopefully i can throw a few back regarding the Philippines in general.

Thanks, Steve

charkee
  5/19/2017 23:12 EST

My wife is from Southern Leyte and she never suffered from moving to the Manila area. But she learns languages startling fast, Tagalog being her 5th language.

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steve38
  5/20/2017 00:13 EST

Hi charkee....wife speaks tagalog also, but I was thinking more about just fitting in with the other wives and such. I know in the north they tend to look down on the bisayans a little bit. It will certainly be an adjustment for her, and looking for feedback on that.

Thanks for the response.

ACEPoolPlayer
  5/20/2017 08:03 EST

Steve,
I don't know if that's necessarily true about Filipinos in the north discriminating against Visayans. I've never heard it or have I heard anyone mention it. Are you considering moving to Olongapo, Subic Bay economical zone (former base), Subic City or just Zambales in general?

charkee
  5/20/2017 09:15 EST

My wife says she has not had problems, Except for one condescending lady calling her a hillbilly. My wife quickly put her in her place and the lady never tried that again. People from Luzon can hear the accent. Especially now, with a iron fisted Visayan president.

GoldWarrior
  5/20/2017 17:49 EST

The former US base might be okay. Baloy beach is boring and will cost you a small fortune commuting to and from the base if you don't have your own vehicle.

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0bieone
  5/20/2017 21:28 EST

Well BORING, is exactly what some of us are looking for!! Not crowed, few drunks hanging around and clean water to swim in!!

0bieone
  5/20/2017 21:28 EST

Well BORING, is exactly what some of us are looking for!! Not crowed, few drunks hanging around and clean water to swim in!!

GoldWarrior
  5/21/2017 02:46 EST

Clean water? When you think a jellyfish is next to you, closer inspection reveals that it is a dirty diaper.

GaryD
  5/21/2017 02:49 EST

We haven't been to Baloy for a while but the last time we went ckean didn't come to mind, Subic is in a bay and tends to trap the pollution. And the constant pestering of the venders was a pain.

ACEPoolPlayer
  5/21/2017 07:48 EST

Baloy Beach or any other water in the Subic area is not what someone would call a beach or clean water that an expat would want to wade in. Just like GaryD had mentioned Subic like Manila is a bay. A lot of pollution gets stuck in it that doesn't move much.

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steve38
  5/22/2017 20:56 EST

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Yeah, we are looking for boring, safe and sterile as IMO immersing with the locals is over-rated. It's hard to get along with people that have never been taught manners or respect for others.

I guess some expats enjoy that, as they get to stand out and be popular, but we just want to blend in somewhere.

We are looking at living on base, or wherever is the safest and most orderly. Any more tips are appreciated...thanks again.

Timlance
  5/27/2017 21:32 EST

don't you mean visayan? wow guy.

mootpoint20
  7/2/2017 10:59 EST

If it helps, you sound 'burnt' or bitter. 40? Chill out and forgive, live and learn. You may be 'bored' as well.

mootpoint20
  7/2/2017 11:00 EST

If it helps, you sound 'burnt' or bitter. 40? Chill out and forgive, live and learn. You may be 'bored' as well.

draks
  7/2/2017 20:50 EST

I like Subic it's a lot cleaner than some other places I have visited. Went to a few resorts there can't say I noticed the water being polluted it was great. Go to Texas Joe's, best burger I have ever had, really good seafood restaurant opposite. Nice restaurants on the beach as well, police cruising the area. I liked it.

GoldWarrior
  7/2/2017 20:58 EST

Last time I swam in the ocean in Subic I thought a giant jellyfish got near me. Thank God it was only a disgusting dirty diaper.

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