About Borsia

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines

Citizen Of:

United States

Past Expat Posts:

China

Colombia

Panama

Some Forum Posts:

Philippines: any advices on driving!:

In any situation ask yourself "What is the stupidest thing this guy could possibly do?" They won't disappoint you ! Rich Filipinos in nice cars are the most dangerous thing here. Trikes, trucks, jeepneys, owners are predictable. Rich snots will pull crap beyond belief. As far as they are concerned they own the road and can do anything they please at any time.

Philippines: Island hopping / moving:

I'm considering moving from Tagaytay to Dumaguete (Luzon to Negros Oriental) Does anyone have recent experience moving islands? How much did it cost to send 1 small truckload ? Who did you use? Any other thoughts on the subject? Thanks

Philippines: motor vehicle:

I've only bought one vehicle new from a dealer, my motorcycle. I bought it in 2012 from a Kawasaki dealer. All I was really asked for was money, but I did give them my license (Philippine DL) without them asking. I don't have a TIN and have never been asked for one. I do get stopped once in awhile, as do all motorcycles, but 1/2 the time when I flip up my helmet and they see that I'm an older foreigner they just smile and wave me on. The other 1/2 they ask to see my DL and registration and have never asked for anything more.

Philippines: University Student Seeks Insight From Expats:

1. How did you decide to move here to the Philippines? What were your motivations and why this country? After retiring I realized that there was no way I could afford to live in California, my home state. First; I moved to China lived there for about 3 years but it was just too Chinese. (*note; nobody spoke English and no expat community at all.) I moved to South America, Colombia, and lived there for another 3 years. It was getting rather expensive and becoming more dangerous but mostly the culture was just too Colombian. (*note; nobody spoke English and no expat community at all. Although I speak Spanish it is still a pain to communicate.) After doing a lot of research I decided on the Philippines and moved here 5 years ago. Reasons are pretty simple; low cost of living, virtually everyone speaks at least some English and many speak it pretty well. Large expat community. I like the people here but we really have nothing in common so it's nice to have guys around that have a somewhat common background and who speak English on a higher level. 2. How long have you stayed here? What kind of residence do you have and how long do you plan to stay? As I mentioned I've been here 5 years so far and no plans to leave. I lease a house here. 3. How has life living in the Philippines been like during your stay? How have you adjusted, or been adjusting? Do you get homesick or do you frequently visit your country of birth? This being my 3rd (actually 4th) 3rd world country nothing is a big surprise to me and it's easier to do things here than it was in China or Colombia. I don't have any real problems here. A few things get annoying such as things being hard to find and / or of poor quality, but again this isn't my first rodeo. I haven't been back to the US since I got here and had only spent about 2 months in the US during the 6 years prior to coming here. I don't get homesick at all. 4. Can you give further insights of experiences you've had with Filipino culture or its people? What is it you like the most or the least about living here? Like least, terrible drivers sorry but people here just can't drive worth a damn. But I drive both a car and a motorcycle and I can put up with it. The roads are in bad condition and people here seem to have a death wish. BTW walking in a traffic lane at night in dark clothes with your back to traffic ,,, not smart !!!! add fog and you are looking at suicide. The culture? I'm pretty neutral on it there are some things that drive me crazy like the petty yak yak backstabbing rather than just facing each other and working things out. Dogs everywhere; most have mange and are un-cared for and unkept many seem to be starving and they bark day and night ignored by their owners. They get into everything and crap everywhere. Roosters crowing at all hours. Most of the time I like the climate ,,, ok ½ the year. I come from a desert region so I like the green everywhere. The rain really only bothers me if I'm out on my bike. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me

Philippines: Food Ingredients You Miss Most:

Tobasco sauce is pretty much everywhere in the Tagaytay area and in S&R so I wouldn't bother bringing it. Maybe harder to find elsewhere in the islands

Philippines: Phil driver's license:

Haven't renewed my DL but I just renewed my registration on my motorcycle and for the first time since I bought it in 2012 I was given a new 2016 sticker

Philippines: Dumaguete:

Giving a little thought to moving to Dumaguete. Does anyone live there or have any experience with the area they can share? Thanks

Philippines: Other expats near Cavite:

I live in Tagaytay you can contact me. If you are familiar with Robinson Plaza a group of expats meet there most Wed around 4:30 for beer and conversation. A smaller group is usually there on Mondays and Fridays around the same time

Philippines: electricity prices:

I would say that I am a pretty lite user usually just one light on and LED or CF only. But electric water heater and do some baking in an electric convection oven. 1 TV almost always on and 1 or 2 computers (laptops). No AC but almost always at least 1 fan. My bill runs right around 2500p or $53 usd a month. As others mentioned if you add AC it shoots way up. I live in Tag so rarely turn the AC on.

Philippines: expat friends sought:

Hi I live in Tagaytay. Drop me an email sometime. Borsia@Hotmail.com

Date Joined:

3/3/2007

Total Posts:

288

Posts/Day:

0.08