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Active expat life in Cebu?

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southbayfrank
  9/18/2019 11:56 EST

About 2 years from the age to tap into my IRA/401K, Should have enough money for living in RP. A few years down the road, when social security kicks in, money picture will be even better. But I am not looking forward to quiet retirement in RP, Like to get together a group of similars to play volleyball if possible, backyard picnic parties, plus group island hopping, Since I have a few ongoing engineering projects, Cebu, being the industrial center in RP, with a few good universities around, and a large expat community, is in my focused view together with Dumaguete. I am in my late 50s, divorced, with advanced engineering training and tons of experince, still quite energetic and full of dream. The cost of doing anything in the SF Bay area is incrediblly expensive nowadays. While (engineering labor) cost in RP is extremly low, Strangly enough in RP, design engineer's payscale is much lower than customer service reps (those manning the call centers). I arrived in Cebu city 2 days ago, Plan to stay around until Oct 11, will be real happy to get to know the expats in the area. You can help decide if Cebu is a good place for my active expat dream. Anybody willing to meet?!

darkfader24
  9/18/2019 17:37 EST

SouthbayFrank - Wow! Good luck in Cebu. "While (engineering labor) cost in RP is extremly low, Strangly enough in RP, design engineer's payscale is much lower than customer service reps (those manning the call centers)." That is nuts - and shows, unfortunately, the myopic approach to things in the RP. The Brain Drain, from what I hear, is horrendous. Maybe you should consider working in a Call Center??? Just kidding.......

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Robertdav298
  9/18/2019 20:18 EST

SOUTHBAY......you are planning on getting SS in 2 years? Have you not been following the 2020 campaigns? SS will be gone in 2020/2021 if the DEMS win the election!

darkfader24
  9/18/2019 22:41 EST

Robert - Yeah - I'd go into panic mode - but I know they're NOT going to win. At least not the WH. No way.

southbayfrank
  9/18/2019 22:55 EST

Robert: I am going to tap into my IRA/401k in 2 years. SS is going to be a plus another 7 years down the road, if I look for 100%. I am not rich, but should do well in RP money wise. To say SS is going to be gone in 2 years, you are too much into the negative. Proud to be American?! you got to give love/trust/belif in the people as a whole. Over career span, we all put in lots of money into SS. Believe me, the people there will want to make sure it will be sound and safe. That is the light, sunshine always in my mind. Relax and enjoy! At the meantime, the society has been taking care of us, shall we think more of serving back. If not into any a particular God, the society, the human race can be one in heart. Compare to the locals, most of the expats are super rich, in reality, I am thankful for what I got. Over the years past, I ran into quite bit kinks, unfairness. When compare what I have to the locals, I am thankful, and willing to give smiles to every new face I run into. That should be my attitude towards life and people. Not to offend, I am happy and throwing out what in my heart too quick. Thanks for responding to my post! You are helping me.

southbayfrank
  9/18/2019 23:05 EST

Guys, I want to be clear. By responding and chatting in this topic, you are helping me in making up my mind, formulating my expat life strategy. I am not intend to go into politics here, not on US politics, definitely not on RP politics. RP is an indepandent nation. We as expats living here, do not have the right to judge RP politics.

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Goslig
  9/19/2019 01:31 EST

southbayfrank To some degree I agree with you. Never go to any kind of political demonstration. Do not offer charity, you’ll get in trouble with DSWD. I married an Pinay I am a Permanent Resident here. My personal safety is at stake because I am a White foreigner. I need to know what 79% of Filipino’s are thinking. I live in Duterte’s city. I need a realistic focus on my adopted country. I share my facts to help orient new comers. I just keep my information to myself socially here.

southbayfrank
  9/19/2019 01:55 EST

Goslig: By marrage, you probably do have a stake here to claim certain right or interest here. I am different there for now. Thanks for sharing your view, Goslig!

Goslig
  9/19/2019 07:32 EST

southbayfrank Well the house I bought and furnished has to be in my wife’s name. However, she is a fair person. If our marriage failed after 8 years, then after selling the property, she would give me half and we would split up the household effects. I don’t see that happening. I like to anticipate the political scene though. If things go South, I would exit back to the US or Canada.

Robertdav298
  9/19/2019 08:12 EST

South.....sorry if I sounded negative but with all the manutia we are fed these days by the mainstream fake news. I am glad I do not pay attention to it.

Robertdav298
  9/19/2019 08:14 EST

Frank....if you are looking for help with anything on CEBU, just send me a private PM and I will be glad to help.

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LovePhilly
  9/19/2019 11:07 EST

Gos,

What is DSWD?

southbayfrank
  9/19/2019 11:29 EST

Goslig I do appreciate your sharing with me that kind of family inners. The nature of the 2 party rivalry system and the media tends to focus on the negative side of everything. Let me point out a few things to lighten it up a little bit. The US economy is in its 11 years of un-interrupted positive growth, the stock market has stayed at historical high for the last 6 months or so, the unemployment rate is at 45 year low. What better a situation can we expect? USD exchange rate is also at historical high. The travellers and the retired expat folks should have benefited big. However, the president has been painted as a Russian accomplice, The economy is described as on the edge of recession. Sure, if the economy is at its peak, the only turn it can make is going down. Do you rather having the economy staying at peak. which is also at the edge of going down? depends on how you look at it, or you rather have the economy stuck at the bottom, which is also at the edge of going up? Interesting, isn't it? Hahaha..

Goslig
  9/19/2019 11:31 EST

The Philippines' Department of Social Welfare and Development (Filipino: Kagawaran ng Kagalingan at Pagpapaunlad Panlipunan, abbreviated as DSWD) is the executive department of the Philippine Government responsible for the protection of the social welfare of rights of Filipinos and to promote social development. Tough Social Workers.

southbayfrank
  9/19/2019 11:43 EST

Robert, appreciate your kindly offer. When I run into the need, or are ready to move, I will likely contacting people like you, people with the energy and willingness to help. For my party, you are on the list. Just be patient. You are in the Cebu area, are you?

southbayfrank
  9/19/2019 11:56 EST

Gos, did you implying the DSWD is pushing marrying pinay as a charity thing? Hahahaha.. That is a good joke.

Robertdav298
  9/19/2019 21:50 EST

Frank, I live and work on the island of Mactan which is just across the bridge from CEBU.
I am on government contract training Filipino AIRFORCE PILOTS how to fly fighter jets, my contract expires in 2020.

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 00:29 EST

Goslig - "Do not offer charity, you’ll get in trouble with DSWD." Would you care to elaborate? I could be 100% wrong, but that statement sounds like "Don't give to any charities or the Welfare Department will be upset at you - and you could suffer consequences." Did I understand this incorrectly? I sure hope so, because one of the things that I wanted to do when I move there was to roll up my sleeves and volunteer time, effort, and money to help the poor.

LarryKar
  9/20/2019 00:40 EST

Dark: I too was puzzled by Gos remark and await more information on why he said that. One word of caution while you are here on a Tourist Visa remember you cannot " work ". Crazy as it may seem there have been cases where some expat got in serious trouble for helping out at some charity event. Yes flipping pancakes at the Rotary Club fund drive food tent can be classified as work.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 02:25 EST

Southbayfrank For the third consecutive year, Switzerland is the world's best country, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report. Here are the top 10 best countries in the 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report:
1. Switzerland.
2. Japan. ...
3. Canada. ...
4. Get rmany. ...
5. United Kingdom. ...
6. Sweden. ...
7. Australia. ...
8. United States. ...
Money isn’t everything.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 02:42 EST

southbayfrank. There was an Aussie married to a young Pinay from a remote village. They did YouTube videos. The Aussie helped her family and a couple neighbours start a business. DSWD found out and he was almost deported. A nun who did charity was deported. I think it’s best to help a really poor family by living common law with one of their luminescent pinay’s if she is single. Get your own condo & car though.

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 03:59 EST

Gos This is indeed slick like fish. And unfortunitely, the real rule the DSWD is enforcing. As foreigner, can not work, helping family and neighbor on business is grey with their rule, and punishable. Marrying a poor pinay is for sure safe within their rule. What about contracting a local to do plumbing for your house, directing him the bathroom floor should be flowing down to the drain, will this kind of involvement be ok with the DSWD. In my interest in particular, if I contract a few engineers, directing them to do a medical device design for me, or writing software to control the movement of a device, Will DSWD deport me for that? These are the things I am really up to. You are really hitting the topic I am trying to findout. Great!

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 05:28 EST

Larry - Thank you for the information on "Work". That is stunning to me - since if I was flipping pancakes as a volunteer, I would not be taking a paying job from anyone - it is "Volunteer". I believe you totally - I guess everyone has their own definition - and The Government wins. I will be cautious. I see more and more each day how this country shoots itself in the foot. If by trying to help the many devastatingly poor and disadvantaged here - you could face jail time or a penalty - well, then who wants to help?

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 05:38 EST

SouthBay - I am near you - in Fresno CA - planning on coming to the RP in the Summer of 2020. LarryKar informed me that even volunteering to "Flip Pancakes" for free at a Fund Raiser for the poor would be considered illegal "work"!!?! I would look very closely at what your plans and proceed with caution. Goslig might have advice on whether or not to contact the DSWD and find out what is acceptable. Contacting them might NOT be good cuz it might alert them to you. Or it MIGHT be good, since maybe your questions would get an official answer. Then again, one Official might give you a Thumbs Up, and another Official might give you a Thumbs Down. Who knows?

Goslig
  9/20/2019 06:05 EST

southbayfrank I don’t know too much about this topic, but I have met Foreigners here who are working. I met a paediatrician who was part of a team of medical professionals building a new children’s hospital in Davao. I have met other businessmen who supply computer hardware. My limited understanding is that if you have a minority stake in a business that employs a majority of Filipino’s, then it’s Okay. A lot of foreigners teach on-line using a VPN and masked isp, all money under the table. Some of the law offices have websites that post a lot of information and answer questions.

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 06:25 EST

Dark Good there is a potential to run into an unknown neighbor just 90 miles down the road. I will check with RP consolate officials in SF on work rules. I am likely coming here on a retirement visa if that is the proper doc. Cheer up buddy! We could setup parties all day long, and hire locals to work the gas grill, may be even sending the food chunks down the throat, if that is reserved work as well. I am already a little over weight. That can be another boost. Change topic a little. I am talking with a school here to setup a Filipino (Tagalog) class. Ideal, I like to attend regularly scheduled classes. Since I showed up in the middle of school season, they are recommending a one-on-one short course, for a total of 20 hours, with a certified teacher. Cost to me is 9,000peso, which is 450peso per hour. I asked the 20 hours be done on a 4 hour per day, starting from Sept 28, which should be a Saturday, all done in 5 consecutive days, Not firm, yet. I am going to the school tomorrow to nail it. I am wondering, if that is kind of expensive in local terms. Does anybody here know this kind of thing? Or even better with a known good teacher for a better deal. Secondly, if anyone local in Cebu area want to join me in the class, we will gain classmates, even better. My local phone is globe 92713 74352

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 06:36 EST

Gos, you are like a gold mine. Plus, your brain is working great. I would really appreciate a frend like you here. Before putting you on my list for party invite, where are you located?

Goslig
  9/20/2019 06:37 EST

southbayfrank The retirement visa or SSRV is the most flexible. But you have to deposit $10,000 USD in an account and leave it there. I know other Expats just continue to renew their Tourist visa. You can do this for 2 years, and then leave for a day or more. Check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website. The BI website isn’t as accurate as a BI office though. When you leave the RP, if you stay longer than 6 months, you must get an exit visa first though.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 06:48 EST

southbayfrank. For now at the South Side of Davao in Toril near Vales Beach in Prudential Village, Barangay Daliao. The only foreigner in Daliao. Anyone looking for me just needs to ask where the Canadian lives. They still call me “Joe” though. Soon we’re moving to Tacloban once we get the clean title to our property that I have paid for three times and waited 8 years for.

LarryKar
  9/20/2019 06:59 EST

Goslig: On a Tourist Visa you keep renewing for THREE YEARS not Two then you must exit and can return and start another 3 year cycle. I've been here 6 years and just made my second Visa Run as it is called at the first of this month. Yes I believe on the Retirement Visa you are allowed to work also on the 13a (Married to a Filipino). But just saying again to be very careful on a Tourist Visa. Like all things in the RP laws are selectively enforced and often comes down to how much the local Kapitan, Police, Mayor etc like or dislike you.

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 07:26 EST

LarryKar - I plan on becoming Good Friends with the local Police Department, and Mayor of where ever I land. A box of chocolates, maybe a box of donuts once in a while. What Cop can resist Donuts, right? I plan on doing the $10,000 SRRV - however, I was told by an authority (I will need a second opinion) that after the $10 Grand and you are cleared, you can then utilize the money. I am not 100% sure on this.

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 07:45 EST

Gos, too bad, you are far away. But let's keep in touch. Ought to treat you like a brother in the jungle. I know where Davao is in general, that is a far off jungle to lots of expats already. Tacloban, no idea where it is yet, will some day. Plus, why would anyone pay for a house three times over eight years. You probably can write a book someday, life in the jungle. You sounded like having retired in RP for a long time, but your brain is more like in the late 50s, or younger. Does your wife force the brain running fast, as well? BTW, what did you do before coming to RP?

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 08:02 EST

Larry, Thanks for your info. Good to know. Could make use of that, you never know. Where are you located? Can you make it to my party when it comes?

LarryKar
  9/20/2019 08:14 EST

Southbay: I'm almost as far as one can get from Cebu and still be in the RP. Cagayan Valley north east corner of Luzon. Nearest big town is Aparri but we live out in the country about a mile from the sea.

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 08:23 EST

Gos, by posting that rich country list, are you suggesting looking to Switzerland for retirement? I am sort of poor right now. I had top notch engineer pay when working for others in SF Bay area. However, the last 5 years or so, I have been working on my own projects, without income from employer. After so long without income, my own money pool has dried up. Current, I am relying on borrowed money from relatives to keep my projects going in a slow pace, to minimize borrowing, until my own IRA/401k are unlocked, which should be more than sufficient for good life in RP. Not to say a few years later, when SS checks start coming, I should not have to worry about money. Back to now, I am poor as I am on borrowed money, negative income! Still, I am happy!

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 08:40 EST

Larry, another brother living in the jungle. This one, in a jungle far away. Still, you may see my invites. Be patient, buddy!

gypsyquokka
  9/20/2019 09:44 EST

Dark - The SRRVisa is $10,000 USD + $1,400 USD fees to set it up. Depends on your "documented" income, as some people have to pay $20,000 USD into a closed time deposit. After a time you can convert that money into an investment [only can choose from a PRA list and mostly golf courses] Or part can be used to buy into a condo. All have heavy annual fees to pay = check out carefully. If you choose not to use the money to invest, then you can leave it in the time-deposit and withdraw the interest only each year. It is not a straight forward answer of choices - Ask PRA directly your questions. You still pay a fee of $10 USD a year or $30 for 3 years to renew your photo ID card. Smile

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 10:34 EST

Gypsy, you real know the topic and you nailed it. Thanks for chipping in, another brother just walked out the jungle somewhere. So, where are you located, Gypsy?
So, far, just a few from Cebu general area responded here. I noticed on street and in malls large number of expats. Some of them were obviously on fun get together. We will need more people to setup volleyball team, and have good sized picnic party. How can we reach those people? Obviously, they are not checking out this web site. Is there other web sites attract more expats than this one?

Goslig
  9/20/2019 10:37 EST

LarryKar Under Immigration Memorandum Circular #SBM-2013-003, non-Visa required national may extend their stay up to 36 months. While a visa required National May extend their stay up to 24 months. (BI website)

gypsyquokka
  9/20/2019 10:45 EST

Southbay - i have only lived in Tacloban and been here over 10 years - Smile

Goslig
  9/20/2019 12:45 EST

darkfader24 My understanding is that the money is frozen in the account. When you enter, The price varies depending on your age: ssrv philippines

Goslig
  9/20/2019 12:49 EST

southbayfrank Paid only once for the house. But getting the title transferred to my wife’s name meant people wanted bribes, and I got milked for other Pinoy who got their titles processed easily and subsided by me. However if you’re politically connected, no problem.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 12:56 EST

southbayfrank Switzerland is very expensive.. Lake Lugano on the Italian border is really nice though. Hard to find a flat there. Swiss love their assault rifles. Many people have several. It’s like having a flag. But ammo is very strictly controlled. You return your casings a log where each shot was taken before you can get more.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 13:01 EST

gypsyquokka My next trip there, friend, let’s get a coffee at Robinson’s. I always stay at the Summit Hotel.?

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 13:49 EST

Gypsy - Thank you for the information. Every bit helps. Greatly appreciated!

darkfader24
  9/20/2019 13:55 EST

Goslig - Re: Swiss Rifles. Funny - considering that they always remain "Neutral". They won't fight for any side - including against the Nazis - yet love their rifles. Hmmmm, I wonder who / what they're aiming at? Bank Robbers? :-)

LarryKar
  9/20/2019 19:44 EST

Gos I only know my truth and don't have any friends from Nambia where cofeve is grown. You kept making a blanket statement of 24 months which is not true for what I feel is the majority on this site. Go in peace.

southbayfrank
  9/20/2019 21:44 EST

Gos and Gypsy lucky you two both in Tacloban enjoying peace and chat over there. Back to the Switzland hint, in a hilly land like that, without major natural resources, like oil or ore, they made it one of the richest and best for living. They are showing how to manage the little you have to be success. The two most obvious features leading to their success are their neutral stance and love for riffle. Look back at what accompanied US's rise into a world power and then the super power, What standout was the stay out stance in world afairs and the fact alot of American's love guns. With the help of great natural resources, it took US about a hundred years to become a major economy in the world. Look at the rise of China in the last 30 years, it mostly stayed outside of all world afairs, and focused on its own economical development, not a resource rich land, it still made it in such a short time. The key figure I am looking at is China's GDP growth rate has been above 6%. So, at US, we have much more natural resources, better educated & skilled workforce, sligtly larger GDP, however, the public has been told, reasoned, trained, stuffed with the idea, backed by all sorts of books, research, and well known figures, the GDP growth will not, can not, shall not, and rightfully not go beyond 2-3%. You figure out what is wrong. How serious when we decide who to vote for as the next president? Have we ever thought about checking out the records of running a real business before casting our vote. I read recently, stories of recent presidents, running established businesses given by family into ground multiple times. Have you checkd out president Trump's business record before casting your vote for him. I, for one, voted for Trump, did not bother to check anything before hand. Did you ever buy or sell a house without checking? What was the last time you bought a new car without checking consumer report? Even before buying a used car? So, what went wrong America? it is easy to blaim others, the Chinese for now, the Martian would be even easier, no talk back. Take the other stance to give myself an escaping back door. God is our final defence and The is always with us. I am a Christian, but stopped going to church for a few years, after realizing, in the SF Bay area, non-belevers have infiltrated and dorminated churches for other purposes. I really got to shut my mouth here.

Goslig
  9/20/2019 22:51 EST

darkfader24 In Switzerland they have compulsory (conscription) Basic Training for 18 weeks for all men 19 and over. They have 100,000 troops. Following that, training is required throughout adulthood amounting to six training periods of 19 days each year. When I was there, all those steep choke points in their mountain passes are easily defended. After work you can hear the large caliber automatic weapon fire for over an hour. Then then guys show up at the local Inn, hang their rifles from pegs in the wall and drink litres of fantastic beer. No wonder they rank as the best country in the world. Switzerland spent $4,713,000,000 USD on their military in 2018. For 2019, the US budget is $693,058,000,000. The population of Switzerland is 8.42 million. The population of the US is 327.2 million. They spend 1/140 (approximately) of what the US spends. Yet everyone is armed to the teeth. Can you imagine what it would be like if the US followed the Swiss example?

Goslig
  9/20/2019 22:58 EST

LarryKar Recently DU-30 changed the Immigration regulations. You can “believe” what you want. I go by the “facts” published by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. If you don’t follow those, they will just fine you big time. Smile

Goslig
  9/20/2019 23:56 EST

southbayfrank SF My favourite city. I liked Piedmont near Berkeley the best. Lucky guy. I like your perspective. Until Trump’s Tax & Corporate records are released by the IRS & Duteche Bank, the jury is still out on his business talents. How much has he lost? If not for the “Apprentice” series, he would still be in the hole for billions. There is the Trump University failure that swindled millions. So it goes with his golf games in Scotland. Can’t he play at Mara Largo? The U.S. government's public debt is now more than $22 trillion — the highest it has ever been. Then: The US budget defMilitary has spent nearly $200,000 at Trump’s Scottish resort since 2017. Trump’s “Very Inexpensive” Golf Habit Could Cost More Than $340 Million. Trump was golfing while supposedly monitoring a then Category 4 hurricane.
The deficit widened to $1.067 trillion for the first 11 months of this fiscal year, an increase of 19% over this time last year (Treasury Department reported Thursday). The current shortfall exceeds the full-year deficit for fiscal 2018, which was $898 billion.(Sep 12, 2019). The U.S. government's public debt is now more than $22 trillion — the highest it has ever been. YET, this traditional GOP platform no longer resonates even though Trump’s promised to reduce the deficit (just smoke & mirrors). Only the border wall and shaking hands with Kim (did he wash them first?) matters to the Red,s (duh?).

LarryKar
  9/21/2019 00:15 EST

Gos: Not going to continue this silly discussion. I live here and just dealt with my having to make my Visa Run at the end of my 36 months August 2019. I have no idea what you are talking about and maybe rules are different if you have other than a USA Passport. If the rules changed it is not Du who changes them any way. You may be confusing things with recent developments started by Sec. Lacson over concern with the Visa On Arrival program for Chinese workers. Last I heard of that a Committee was looking at it and taking statements from BI, other Administration members, and the Legislatures. Other expat sites, that actually discuss useful information, have nothing new on it that I have seen recently. And the consensus is that it only applies to Chinese workers anyway.

Goslig
  9/21/2019 01:20 EST

LarryKar OK friend. I’m on my Canadian Passport like you. If you doubt my post, check the BI website.

LarryKar
  9/21/2019 02:46 EST

Gos once more I am not Canadian I have a USA passport. Just to be 100% I did check the BI web site. No place does it say anything other than 36 months as long as you are from a Visa Free country. I hope you don't plan on having Rudy Giuliani call me to discuss this.

southbayfrank
  9/21/2019 06:38 EST

I am going to start my Filipino (Tagalog)class on Sept 30(Monday) at 10am, at the North America Language Academy (NALA), located in Lahug area, Cebu city. It will be 3 hours per day, 10am to 3pm, with a 1 hour lunch break at 12pm. Class will last 7 days end on the following Sunday for 20 hours total, Already have the textbook. Will prepare myself with the course material while laying on a beach on an island in the next 5 days. I am excited. It is going to start another fun page in my life, I believe.

LovePhilly
  9/21/2019 08:41 EST

Southbay, I'm certainly no expert on this but here is my view on learning the language...

1. Find a girl and she will help you.

2. Learn some words.

3. Give up on the idea of putting sentences together. It's just to difficult.

With that said you may just be far more talented or smarter than me in which case, have at it!

southbayfrank
  9/21/2019 09:01 EST

Ok, LovePhilly, I am the kind of guy when a major item in my active expat life pursue is going to happen, when a large chunk of money has been thrown out, I just have to make a little noise. You have a way on how you would approach this, which I may try later, after a little bit formal training on it. I found this approach to work out better with me. Hats off and thank you for the simple approach. One way or the other, it has to work. So, you found what you love and must have, settled somewhere already?

southbayfrank
  9/21/2019 11:15 EST

Looking for ideas on what to do for filling in two chunks of time before my flight out of Cebu/Mactan on Oct 11. One chunk of unplaned time is between Sept 27 and Sept 29. I am going to check out from the Malapascua Island early in the morning on Sept 27, If I head back to Cebu city directly, I will be in Cebu city by noontime, or 1pm the latest. I only need to check in my hotel close to the school in late afternoon or early evening on Sept 29. I have a 2.5 days of unschedualed time. What is the best way to use this 2.5 days? The 2nd chunk of the unschedualed time is between Oct 7th, and Oct 11th. I need to check in to a hotel in Mactan, near the airport by late afternoon on Oct 10. Here, I have a 4 day unschedualed time. I would not mind travel to some cool place for a fun trip. But what would be a good place to go? Thought about going to Dumaguete, where I stayed for 3 days in June. Could go some where new to me. What is your suggestion, my friend?

Goslig
  9/21/2019 12:43 EST

LarryKar regrets my mistaking you for a Canuck. Here is a cut and paste from the BI website:

LONG-STAY VISITOR VISA EXTENSION (LSVVE)

Who can apply?

All temporary visitors, regardless of nationality and not otherwise disqualified, who wish to extend his/her tourist visa during the last thirty (30) days of the previously issued LSVVE, or upon the expiry of a regular visa extension. The total duration of extension shall be not more than six (6) months from the time of expiration of authorized stay.

Goslig
  9/21/2019 12:52 EST

LarryKar OK, I see that there too https://immigration.gov.ph › faqs
Extension of Stay
How long can I extend my in the Philippines? ... SBM-2013-003, non-visa required national may extend their stay up to thirty six (36) months Sorry to misinform. Not sure why I had it wrong about the US being “visa free”.

LarryKar
  9/21/2019 19:40 EST

Gos sorry accepted. That's why I was getting so frustrated. I know what I was reading and I've been here long enough to go through it twice. Anything from BI is confusing and if you listen to the " You Tube" experts you can really get wrong information. Best to be on good terms with your local BI agents. They start to tell me months in advance " it's time to start planning a trip."

LovePhilly
  9/21/2019 19:56 EST

South,

I don't mean to discourage you in any way. Give it a try. They all speak English and the sentence structure is just totally different. This would have been easier if we were six like they were when they attempted two languages. Let me know how it goes!

LovePhilly
  9/21/2019 19:57 EST

"where"

Robertdav298
  9/22/2019 01:39 EST

FRANK/GOS......voting for DT in 2016 was a "no brainer" he was a NON-POLITICIAN. Think about where our country was after having OBAMA for the last 8 years? Also, who was DT running against HC.......a CAREER POLITICIAN and an old ugly white woman.

Now fast forward to the present day are you better off than you were in 2015?
Who cares about all the garbage the media tthrows out each day......not me!

All I know is that my military pension got it's first increase since 2007 and that my dollar goes further than it did before.

I have posted this before, CHINA is the economic and military power they are today because the WEST made them that way. Governments and business's all flocked to CHINA getting FAT along the way and not caring about their home countries people.
Now in 2020, a new sheriff comes to town and says "hold on partner, this trade deal is one-sided" and everyone says yeah your right......now what? Can you say tariff.......eek!

Now don't get we wrong, I am not saying DT is the best thing since sliced bread, but what I am saying is that he is a hell of alot better than what we had or what the DEMS are pushing today......my GOD.....Uncle Joe or Pocahontas.....or how about a weekend at BERNIES......gimme a break!

Metalpipe
  9/23/2019 09:56 EST

I'll be joining you in the Phil in about 2.5 years. I'll probably start out in the Cavite area, but travel is cheap in the Phil. I already lived in Cebu City for a year. Not a bad town. Stay active here in the forum. I will definitely consider dragging my lovely GF to Cebu for a couple years to be near like minded expats.

Metalpipe
  9/23/2019 10:02 EST

Lol. Robert, you are such a Fox News victim. No offense, but open your eyes. The Republican agenda has been to wipe out all US social programs since Reagan infested the White House and supply side economics infested our economy. The progressive Dems are aiming for strong Soc Sec,, medicare for all, tuition forgiveness and revamping our crumbling oil based infrastructure. all these progressive ideas will generate tremendous prosperity and economic power for the US. There is no such thing as pure Socialism or Communism any longer. Only corporate owned, sociopathic autocrats being touted by the media as 'strong' men.

southbayfrank
  9/23/2019 10:54 EST

Metalpipe, welcome onboard here. Great, you consider me like minded. We will need you and more like minded. Make Cebu a hot bed for expats looking for active life here. We will have our own expat association, have a sports group, a travel group, even a dedicated picnic/barbicue group, a hobyst and dreamers group for those still have undied dreams of improving the world, and perhaps a politics group leaving a space for those interested in that. For sure I myself will be in the sports group, barbicue group, and the dreamers group. Life will be busy, belive me. The key is to keep most of us happy, healthy. Compare to the locals, we are all rich, considering the average pay here is only $200 some USD. The association or the subgroups will be more or less like the run away princes' club. Enjoy life guys. There are so many ways to enjoy life. Let's all be happy!

southbayfrank
  9/23/2019 11:39 EST

On my way to the resort on the island, I took a motorbike ride from the landing port to the resort, For a 1.5 km distance, I agreed to a 40peso price, after arriving, the guy took an excuse for not having change and eventually took a 50 peso, while getting change at the resort counter, the lady at the counter would not give back the exact changes for the bill from me, another 50 peso short, the word was coming back tomorrow asking for it. Obviously, I would not even remember who to ask for the 50 peso a day later. Now, I truly experienced and understand what foreigner tax meant. You are worried what majority of the Philippino feel about foreigners, and the thoughts of withdrawing back to America when situation turned "south". During the time while here, I had many chances chatting with the locals, there is a strong sense of love to anything from America, which make me feel we will never see situation go to there, other than perhaps the rivalry parties' propaganda machne want you to believe for their purposes. Scare techniq work really good in their hands, SS is one topic used effectively, Russian conspiracy worked well, Chinese threat will be the next good grab from the bag. Don't worry, the Philippines should be one of the safe haven, if WW3 ever happens, the RP has no significant natural resource, neither strategic location, except 100 million mouth need to be fed. The chance of chaos here due to invision is signicantly less than farmine due to population over growth. Expats with foreign money will be considered significant contributors to relieve the situation if ever that happens. Relax and enjoy you RP life!

mactan64
  9/23/2019 15:14 EST

More interesting reading on the Philippines,Sh*t maybe I've logged into the wrong forum & found American politics when I was after advice about expats experiences.

southbayfrank
  9/23/2019 18:34 EST

Mactan64, here indeed is a place to share RP experience to help me and other like minded to figure out perhaps some kind of active expat life in the Cebu area. However,the propaganda campaign by the two rivalry parties and the varies interest groups are so powerful nowadays, Politics is going to be every where particularly getting close to the big voting day.

darkfader24
  9/23/2019 21:25 EST

Mactan64 - There's plenty of good advice on this Forum, but to each his own. I have decided to stop sharing my opinions on politics, since so many find it offensive. I have noticed, though, that a lot of the political talk here started quite awhile ago in response to snide comments against Conservatives - who then rose up en masse and pushed back. My Brother, who I love tremendously, is very Liberal with extremely strong opinions, which is fine by me. I also have strong opposing opinions. If I counter him on a concept, many times his response is not an intellectual one, which I would appreciate. Instead, he "Shouts Me Down". Yelling does not further the conversation, nor does it solve a single thing. It's just "I will dominate you but screaming in your face!" It's abuse and a Power Grab. It's "I will over power you by raising the volume of my voice while spewing F-Bombs in your direction." I have encountered this with a number of Liberals. Unfortunately, I have also seen it happen from the Conservative side also, although less frequently. I don't agree with this. I would much rather have a real conversation, because i learn a lot from Liberals who can think and express themselves in an intelligent manner. And sometimes they have convinced me to their viewpoint, when expressed with wisdom. So, that's the end of my political expression on this site - unless someone pushes me personally. At that point - I push back.

Goslig
  9/23/2019 21:48 EST

darkfader24 Good on you for committing yourself to vacate the political discussion. You have so much more to offer just being the person you are. I’m with you too. I stop my whining about politics unless personally attacked. I just hope the Moderator can hear this too.

surfingcebu
  9/23/2019 23:33 EST

Robert- you are right , the west built present day China . Massive funding from Euro countries, the USA, and Canada. Yes we enabled China to the max. Your very astute in seeing this . Now , the big reversal is at play. Like ripping of a band aide, they certainly don’t like it!!! Nor should they like the “Fee Pass” taken away.

surfingcebu
  9/24/2019 01:16 EST

Robert- you still use Tacan there ? What type of fighters does the RP have . Worn out wort- hogs I bet . Can’t imagine them having anything close to elite .

Nothing beats “scud running” at 49 N Lat off the coast of Canada . Dangerous as heck forced down to the deck where white cap spay hits the window... those were the days .... when I was a younger man learning how to hands and feet fly. IFR was a breeze after that tour . FL 260 flying approaches radar assisted and holds . Clean air , terrain below your wings . Heavenly easy .... couldn’t understand how some guys failed their rides ..... I guess it comes down to the saying, you can’t be good at everything, just some things.

Rudder straight/ level wings .

Surf .

surfingcebu
  9/24/2019 01:23 EST

Larry- so right. Anything for the BI Office tends to get convoluted, changed, and interpreted by various airlines and people differently. You have to love the Philipine BI office.

On Negros they’re all pretty good. My best you guys here for a new person, would be to be polite, and receptive of the recommendations. I see some horror stories in the BI office. If you walk in there like a big shot, you’re going to have difficulties every step of the way.

I saw one American walk in, he hadn’t checked into that office for 3 to 4 years. He was such a nice guy, I did community work in his village. He showed up with the Baragay Captian- smart. He got a huge fine, but a lot less than I expected. I heard he ended up marrying single mother up north of Bias , And inheriting for kids as well. He was that type of guy. I guess in the above, there is a lesson to be learned.

Goslig
  9/24/2019 02:01 EST

Surf.
After a thorough study and research, the Department of National Defense (DND) is most likely to buy the Swedish-made Gripenmulti-role supersonic jet fighter for the Philippine Air Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. said aside from being cheaper and less expensive in maintenance cost, The Gripen has been proven to be an excellent supersonic fighter aircraft with a top speed of Mach 2 or 1,236 kilometers per hour, or twice the speed of sound.
The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration and is powered by the Volvo RM12. It is being used by various countries in Europe and the Middle East.

surfingcebu
  9/24/2019 02:07 EST

Gos- I like the gripen, and I am sure it will do well at medium to high altitude fighter assignments. I hear it downfall is low and slow start. This is the type of stuff the Philippines well. I hope today buy two types of aircraft , one that can defend or the jungles, I want to engage over open ocean.

It’s tricky though. Yes the Philippines has to protect their sovereignty. This is so important especially the days with China breathing down their neck. Second consideration is cost, and the Common Family has a hard time with the monthly budget to feed their kids.

bbazor
  9/24/2019 02:58 EST

Gypsy: The annual renewal fee is $360 a year. It was raised several years ago.. I got in before the change and pay $10 a year. Maybe you too??

LarryKar
  9/24/2019 07:39 EST

And just today the Department of Defense said that DU's latest pronouncement that he would not accept grants, or loans, or any gifts from any country that criticized his War on Drugs or Human Rights stands will set way back any plans to modernize the Philippine military. And so it goes.

Goslig
  9/24/2019 10:05 EST

LarryKar DU-30 also just racked up an 82% approval rating on his “war on drugs”. Filipino’s see the world differently than the West. Political correctness is trumped by pragmatism.

Morgacj2004
  9/24/2019 16:44 EST

Just curious metalpipe will all of the illegal aliens be offered these wonderful benefits and how high are the demos willing to raise taxes to pay for them. The free education and student loan forgiveness program all by itself will be in the billions. That’s the problem with Dems they have all of these great ideas but no way to pay for them other than on the shoulders of the working middle class. That is why Trump got elected in the first place. The working middle blue collar class is tired of being the whipping boy for the Demo party.

Morgacj2004
  9/24/2019 16:46 EST

Maybe you have I can google you a list of other Philippine forums if you would like rather than listening to all of the complaints

southbayfrank
  9/24/2019 17:47 EST

Morgacj2004: I am also interested in such a list of other Philippine forums. Could you post the list here or pm me. Thanks in advance! Somehow we are not reaching enough of the expats here. We need to pass the idea of getting like minded people to build a base for active expat life here, This is mostly about enhanced life quality here for expats, a community for exchange, friendship, exercise, picnic parties.

mactan64
  9/25/2019 13:18 EST

Another revalant topic for expates.

southbayfrank
  9/26/2019 00:16 EST

Robert: Since you are on a government contract for mil related work, I will stay away from you for now. Years down the road when what you did have be cleansed from memory, and if you are back here, we can have some good drinks and chat, and I will be more than willing to bet with 1 month's worth of my SS pay (or $2000USD, give it a number, as I won't draw my SS in 2024), under the condition if Dem win 2020 presidency and by the end of 2024 (Dec 31, 2024, to be exact) if Social Security is not in solvency (defined as SS not functioning by not paying SS to those qualified retiree), I will pay you the amount, otherwise, you will pay me the amount. How do you like that?
Over the years I worked for GD, United Defense (currently BAE land systems) on some high profile projects and realized dealing with government contracts can be complicated. To avoid any chance of my underware being planted by someone with spy gear, I will stay away with the idea of inviting you to my party until 2024.

southbayfrank
  9/26/2019 00:42 EST

Gos, Piedmont near Berkeley is still a popular place for the somewhat rich. The entire SF Bay area, with the exception of Oakland, is an ideal place for living, perfect weather, plentiful jobs. The only problem is housing becomes unbelievably expensive. Another problem is older generations are moving away, and in reality, the entire population there is moving/ cycling much faster than anywhere else. It is hard to keep friends there. Everybody is constantly rushing to get on something, and this something changes quickly.

southbayfrank
  9/26/2019 00:56 EST

All, back to the original topic, the chance for an active expat life, I see it is very much possible. The locals are unbelievably friendly and easy to participate in what they are doing. I am in a diving resort on the Malapasgua island for the past 4 days. Yesteday late afternoon on my way to the local market, I spotted a group of locals playing volleyball, and stopped watching, they soon invited my to join their play. I played with them for 40 minutes, and that was pure FUN!!! They ask me to be there again today. I will take a look there at around 4:30. Life can be realy good, and the locals are so easy going.

Goslig
  9/26/2019 02:12 EST

southbayfrank What you say about Oakland is true. I lived for a while in an apartment at 40th & Webster (surrounded by razor wire). My car was broken into though there was nothing init, glovebox open & empty. The rib joint near there was pretty good, and I enjoyed the jog around the lake. I also liked the Mission district restaurants and bars. The HA district bars were interesting too. I went to the IBeam. since I’m straight, they poured me doubles. Wolfgangs was a great stage.. I worked out at the UC Berkeley gym. The first thing they said to me was “gay or straight”. However, the night life & restaurants in Chicago were just a little better. But Piedmont was tops.

Goslig
  9/26/2019 02:17 EST

southbayfrank Great diving at Alona Beach on Bohol. Just a direct hop to Taglibaran Airport or by Ferry from Cebu. The scuba gear is vintage though.

southbayfrank
  9/26/2019 02:56 EST

Gos, nowadays, I do not go into Oakland much. The lake front walk area is still beautiful. However, I was told repeatedly the rivaling two gangs (Red vs Black, if I rembered right) are making the place dangerous. It has an extremely high murder rate. I wish this was all cookedup by the Rep party's propaganda.

Goslig
  9/26/2019 05:28 EST

Southbay when I was there in the 80’s, the bus authorities hired gang members as transit security to stop them from terrorising riders ripping up seats with knives. Everything settled down when on board after that. One block over from my third floor apartment, it was sketchy and dangerous. I heard automatic weapon fire one day and the Oakland cops (bless their souls) used me as a spotter for the gunman. What I liked about the Bay Area, besides the Asian Art Museum (incredible) at Golden Gate beach area (which was a nude beach at one end) was being regularly approached by beautiful babes (while waiting for the BART) asking whether I was gay or not. Is was so easy to get picked up as a straight guy.

southbayfrank
  9/26/2019 08:21 EST

Gos, this is my 2nd trip to the Cebu general area. I am not a diver. The past June, I spent 10days giving a 1st exploration of the general area, visited Cebu city, Bohol island, and Dumaguete. This 2nd trip, my plane is to focus on the Cebu area, hook up with some local expats, and get started on the Filipino language if possible. The extra result is I am actually doing way better than I thought with the locals. I played with the volleyball players on the Malapasgua island this afternoon again, and promised them to buy and ship to them a good class A volleyball when I get back to Cebu. Perhaps I will never have a chance to play volleyball with them again, but these people really warmed my heart for them. Significantly raised my hope&expectation for an active expat life here in Cebu area, and any where in RP, perhaps. They did not treat as a foreigner and there was no sign of any foreigners' tax, I shared in the joy of sharing a drink, a mixture of Coke and Ram, while the losing side paid for it.

darkfader24
  9/26/2019 08:57 EST

Goslig - Where HAVEN'T you lived? It's crazy! How could you pack so much into your life??

Goslig
  9/26/2019 09:32 EST

southbayfrank That’s why I love it here too. Most friendly & easy going people I have met anywhere in the world. Volleyball was my sport before I lost my knees to osteoporosis. Played Senior B in Vancouver for a decade. I just swim now. Easier than walking.

Goslig
  9/26/2019 09:44 EST

darkfader24 San Diego is where I’ve always wanted to live (or) Bologna, the food capital of Italy, not far from Florence. I crave good Italian food and wine. Looks like my last stop will be Tacloban though. But who knows?

darkfader24
  9/26/2019 18:43 EST

Gos - We are totally on the same page. When I lived in Tucson AZ, my vacation week every year was spent in La Jolla, CA. I knew that area, Pacific and Mission Beach, Old Town San Diego like the palm of my hand. Actually, I was offered a great job 4 times there - the same job working in a multi-million dollar mobile audio truck down in Escondido - just a touch east of SD. I turned it down cuz it's just too expensive to live there. They say that the weather there is the closest thing to Hawaii on the mainland. I love that area - although it's extremely crowded. Nowadays, I go to Cambria, right near "Hearst Castle", Pizmo Beach, Morro Bay. Central California Coast. Quiet and lovely.

mactan64
  9/26/2019 21:51 EST

Yes it's always heartwarming to meet & Converse with genuine locals.

southbayfrank
  9/27/2019 17:19 EST

Gos, I felt terriblly sorry for what happened to your knee. Volleyball is such a fun sports packed wth joy.
Back to Cebu city yesterday, one of the first thing I did was buying a volleyball. Went with my new friends, a young Philippino couple from Manila. The wife is a church volunteer organizing sports activities. She is also a volleyball player. They basically told me where to buy, and how to ship kind info. Today, my top thing on the list is to find a LBC office, and ship the ball to the players on Malapascua island.

southbayfrank
  9/27/2019 18:24 EST

Gos, Is Davao safe? I noticed it is a good sized island. Heard everything there is even cheaper than other parts of RP. The key is safety. With their president's newest effort, peace with the muslims there, Hope the economy will see new life, and the people will benefit.
While in RP, the more chat with the locals, the more feel the president is doing the right thing. In a society, for evil to become formidable, not only need its criminal hardcore, also need a social environment, like bleek economy and desperate poor and youth, when added with politicians, lawyers, and media, basically the riches living far away from the danger, perhaps even living off the suffering, you have politicians looking for scare tricks, (some)lawyers relying on big pay from the criminals, and the midia for horrifying/eyeball grabing stories. For the far and few guys in position who really want to serve their people, there are not that many choices, so there were/are the funny situation of hiring gang sters to protect public transit in Oakland, CA, equivalent to paying for protection, I wonder what the media say about this kind, and what the lawyers response are. The other situation is what happened in RP in their drug war, we all know what the media and lawers say. They are giving a blind eye to what the majority (more than 85% of the population) in RP are saying. Yap, we are not to talk politics much here. I am ending here with a haha.

Goslig
  9/27/2019 21:03 EST

southbayfrank That’s a kind gesture.?They will ever forget you or your good will.

Goslig
  9/27/2019 21:27 EST

southbayfrank. Davao is the safest city in Asia. Across from it is Samal Island which is pristine tropical beauty. Davao City is located in the province of Davao Del Sur. There is also Davao Del Norte and Davao Oriental all on the largest island in the Philippines, Look in Google Earth. Mindanao. In North & South Cotobato there are still active military units of the New Peoples Army which has waged war against the Philippines for 27 Forty thousand people have died in the conflict since 1969.. Arrest warrants are issued for all 4,900 members. Their leader, Jose Sison, lives in exile in the Netherlands who refuse to extradite him.

mactan64
  9/27/2019 21:33 EST

We'll said Davao is the safest city in the Philippines with so many soldiers & police at different checkpoints.Great resorts at Samal Island.

Goslig
  9/27/2019 23:32 EST

darkfader24 Tucson with the A10’s practicing take off and landing 24/7. But the miles of B52 graveyard’s were surreal. Nice Southwest flavours though.

darkfader24
  9/28/2019 01:08 EST

Gosling - For a few years I lived very close to Davis-Monthan Airfare Base. When the Military Jets took off, which was often, my little condo was right in the flight path. If you were on the phone you'd say "Hold on a minute." until the jets passed. It was a horrendous noise! And the plane graveyard is eerie! They even shot footage there for a "X-Files" episode. Just an amazing site. The 10th Wonder of The World - Just made that up, but it is quite a sight!

Robertdav298
  9/30/2019 00:37 EST

GOS.....DAVAO may be the safest city in the RP but I beg to differ NOT the safest city in ASIA......I would vote for SINGAPORE as the safest.

catabisis
  9/30/2019 04:02 EST

Davao being safe is the Duterte dynasty propaganda. It isn’t listed in the top 50 safest cities in the world.



GOS.....DAVAO may be the safest city in the RP but I beg to differ NOT the safest city in ASIA......I would vote for SINGAPORE as the safest.

mattinnorfolk
  9/30/2019 09:44 EST

SouthBay, I would love to talk sometime as a 62 year old single visiting for the first time on Oct 29th for 23 days there. I will be traveling, meeting, and seeing possibilities for retirement. I'll send a PM.

Goslig
  9/30/2019 09:55 EST

catabisis You may be right about that. The data is scattered. One report states Tokyo as the safest, another Chiangmai Mai is first and Davao second, Singapore is third and Makati fourth. Then another study puts Valenzuela second and Davao fourth. It’s a real crapshoot, but here is one list:
the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia were Chiang Mai (Thailand) with a rating of 77.88; Davao (Philippines), 72.50; Singapore, 72.30; Hanoi (Vietnam), 59.48; Penang (Malaysia), 58.66; Bangkok (Thailand), 58.31; Iloilo (Philippines), 55.86; Bali (Indonesia), 51.40; and Cebu (Philippines), 50.34.
Doesn’t even mention Tokyo?

Goslig
  9/30/2019 09:58 EST

catabisis Go to Google like I did before saying things like: it’s not listed. It’s ranked differently but in the top 4 safest cities in ASIA.

southbayfrank
  9/30/2019 12:34 EST

Mattinnorfolk I wish to be able to extend my arms like the locals to give you some extra in welcome on your first visit here in late Oct. However, after 25 days in RP, I will be leaving on Oct 11. If my experence during my two trips here resently can provide any hints for your experience here, you are going to feel being welcomed here. The RP peoples' friendliness and easy going attitude are most appreciated by the expats. The signicantly lower living cost is another major attraction to foreign retirees. The most important is plan well, what is the goal of your trip. Make the goal specific. And how are you going to achieve the goal. The key is to have local contacts. You are doing the right thing to post and ask for meeting here. Some guys here would suggest you to arrange and date girls, which maybe a good idea. Nobody says you have to marry every date, If you do not want to see too many Mattinnorfolk Junior popping up like mushrooms everywhere, do not drink too much. Let's keeping in touch here, as my plan is also here in Cebu general area, and I am for an active, fun expat life here. We need to attract like minded people. We will have sports activities, going out together, and as many parties as we like for whatever excuses we can cookup.
Had my first Filipino class today, 3 hours uninterrupted of all new material is way too much for a day. My brain felt the total drain. I have rearranged to extend the class into more days with only two hours a day.This is going to be costly, not just in money terms. But hope it will help in blending in better with the locals for active life here. Cheer up!

mactan64
  9/30/2019 13:51 EST

Apples & Oranges Sunshine.It's the safest city in the philippines.

catabisis
  9/30/2019 20:23 EST

Goslig, I would be apt to trust a site like ceoworld.biz for safe city ranking. That, or Interpol. They rank Davao 54th in the world and Davao as 6th in Asia behind Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Chiang Mai, and Osaka, The way the nonsense began about Davao being the 4th safest city in the world was started on Numbeo.com. A Duterte supporter, or someone in his camp, made the assertion while he was mayor. Numbeo is crowd-sourced, which means any schmuck can go on that site and write anything they want with no truth to it at all. Everyone may remember seeing the 4th safest comment all over during Duterte’s presidential campaign. Here is the ceoworld.biz ranking site .https://ceoworld.biz/2019/08/01/the-worlds-safest-cities-ranking-2019/.............Catabisis You may be right about that. The data is scattered. One report states Tokyo as the safest, another Chiang Mai is first and Davao second, Singapore is third and Makati fourth. Then another study puts Valenzuela second and Davao fourth. It’s a real crapshoot, but here is one list: the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia were Chiang Mai (Thailand) with a rating of 77.88; Davao (Philippines), 72.50; Singapore, 72.30; Hanoi (Vietnam), 59.48; Penang (Malaysia), 58.66; Bangkok (Thailand), 58.31; Iloilo (Philippines), 55.86; Bali (Indonesia), 51.40; and Cebu (Philippines), 50.34. Doesn’t even mention Tokyo?

Goslig
  9/30/2019 21:44 EST

catabisis the data I posted was also from Economist Intelligence Unit, and the Manila Times., https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/5-pinoy-cities-dominate-top-10-safest-cities-in-asean/amp/; and https://securitymatters.com.ph/5-philippine-cities-among-10-safest-in-southeast-asia-24937/. You are free to choose to believe whatever you want.

southbayfrank
  10/21/2019 13:54 EST

Gos, I am sad for you, after reading posts in a new thread you started recently asking for ideas of a suitable new place. I could not give you any specific suggestion on location, But my friend, calm yourself down, slow down on making major decisions, make sure not putting yourself into another corner, minimizing damage to your long term. You are a smart guy.
Part of the reason I post to "Active life..." thread here. Finding a quiet beach front place to lick wounds and recover is a good idea. However, talk out with friends or friendly people better understand your background/situation is definitely a plus. Group activities that fill up long days are better in help forgetting bad memory than staying alone. I wish I known a group of active expats there well who could help you go through the difficult time. There are better chance to find such expat groups in major centers like Cebu and Dumaguete. The day before my last day there from my most recent trip in RP, about a week ago, while wondering around Colon street area in Cebu city in early evening, I ran upon an Aussie man in 60s and a Brit woman in her 70s sitting/chatting/enjoying beer outside a small sing along restaurant, had a few beers together and an interesting chat lasting about 2 hours. The Brit lady was a sing along fan, and was on and off using mic w/ a few locals. The man told me his stories. He was separated from his pinay wife, and stay long term (more than 10yrs) in a nearby hotel for an unbelievably low price, 7000 to 11000 peso/month, Since he talked about multiple expats living in various hotels under different deals, I don't remember exactly how much he was paying. The key is they have a good sized group of expats there, 20 some expats, with frequent get togethers and parties. They are fairly active in going out travel together as well. I thought that is a good active expat group. The guy was quite friendly and easy going, and suggested they have a group trip to an island resort 2 days away, and I was welcome to join their trip. They had more than 10 people signed up for the trip, and arranged a bus for it. He wrote down his name as Jim Sibbick. The best way to contact him is via travel forum on www.tripadvisor.com. He is quite on Cebu, Philippines topic, and his nickname is BIG_JIM_CEBU. I was a little shocked by how much he knows about that area and hotel deals. My impression is this guy could be a really helpful guy, a gateway to a good sized group of active expats in Cebu area. In reality, you do not have to live in that area, but a group of similar is always good. You can tell him it is Frank give you his contact.
Best to you, and to all!

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