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Maids

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Oldgrape
  5/23/2020 23:53 EST

Howdy all,
Having difficulty finding a maid. has anyone had experience with using one of those services that recommends maids. Everyone we know is either too young or too old or does not like dogs.

Also I know you pay a live in maid less because you provide room and board. For a live in maid should you stipulate how late she can stay out in the evenings and on her day off?

mattinnorfolk
  5/24/2020 09:01 EST

Thank you Old Grape for posting a non political post on here. This forum has become nothing but a I hate, or I love Trump forum. It is not really much about the Philippines, so you will have much better luck joining the FB group forum Philippine groups. They discuss real topics on the Philippines there. Good Luck!

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surfingcebu
  5/24/2020 10:04 EST

Mattin- I used a maid on a need basis . Usually every Friday . I pay her 10.00 cad , full clean and bleach bleach floors and bathrooms cupboards , a little more if she take home a load of wash for me and does shopping at the market for me and bring me what I need for 'guli'/vegitables , and the markets items. I over pay and give her 500P . She sometimes brings her younger sister with her , which I love as she is so dam cute. I would never touch either of them , BUT I truly thing she is showcasing her sister to me ... her sister has the lipstick on and tight leggings and so on , quite a riot ! Both do terrific work and are nice people .

Vets your workers out real good ! I have known some who steal from their clients . Take pictures of them and make it known that you know members of the PNP, and so on ....SO be careful !

ACEPoolPlayer
  5/24/2020 10:43 EST

Oldgrape,
I've used many of the employment agencies over the years. They recruit directly from the province. Very rarely do you get someone who is a great worker. They are usually just learning. The agency gets a big cut. The only really good thing is the agency's contract will allow a replacement in case the person doesn't work out or quits. I'm not sure if it's within a month or so. It's also typical that they have no available replacement at the moment. If you go this route make sure you are getting someone from a larger agency who has been in business for a long time (at least 5 years or so. Another option is to get a maid through your wife (if you are not married don't let your girlfriend hire the maid). She'll either get a relative or someone from her province. The only problem with this is the maid will be underpaid and your wife will control her and treat her like a slave. The best option would be to get a maid recommended from an expat's maid (someone who has been employed for several years) or from a close Filipino friend. Then at least you'll feel a little more confident that you won't be ripped off. When you meet and interview a potential maid let her get exposure to your dogs. You'll know from the beginning who likes dogs and who doesn't. Normal hours for a maid are 6-7am, assuming people wake up early and occasional go to the market early until after dinner (8-9pm). If you can find a good one, a live in maid is always better and more trustworthy.

coach53
  5/24/2020 15:41 EST

Oldgrape
"Also I know you pay a live in maid less because you provide room and board."
Yes. It's a special law about Domestic helpers telling which benefits if live in. MINIMUM salaries are decided central too. Last I checked it was 2500 pesos per month in provinces. More in Cebu and Metro Manila. Plus ticket if fetching someone from other province.
Plus "13 month salary" =Employees get an EXTRA salary in december enough before Christmas for them to get time to use it (Filipinos get such instead of vacation salary.)
I don't know if the law regulate it, but I know it's common people with family not living close get free time around Xmas and New year (2 weeks?) to go and visit their family.

"For a live in maid should you stipulate how late she can stay out in the evenings and on her day off?"
Well. She isn't a kid, but you can discus when she can come home to not disturb you to much. And not to late to be to tired for work, but some young can manage to go direct from party to work haha

"The agency gets a big cut. "
I believe it's better chance to get someone to do good work if they get whole salary self. Or you can pay more so the maid get normal full pay after the agency cut. It's litle money anyway.
If you don't find any by recomendation - There are several websites with databases where you can put your job offer and find people searching for work. DOLE has probably the bigest, but I believe that one isn't online.
If you want any online I can look among my many notes.

It's common to have 6 months trial period for "all" employments anyway.

tombalita1
  5/24/2020 22:43 EST

Ace: You're spot on with that post. I've either experienced first hand or witnessed my friends with maids that leave because of homesickness, boyfriends or in some cases leaving suddenly with your belongings. Relatives are always a no-no. I know one couple in Tagaytay that has had the same live-in housekeeper for 15 years, the only one they've ever had. Some are just lucky. Good luck Oldgrape. --Tom

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surfingcebu
  5/25/2020 09:49 EST

Tom - I really think its best to have them not live in ... but many do work out fine . A buddy of mine has a maid - she keeps the place spotless , she even asks me to put my glass on a coaster ! Gezzzz . she is about 45 and has a couple kids that stay in the maids house in the back yard . Amazingly quiet . He has had her for 10 years I think . Pays her well and treat her family very well . I have told him several times he is lucky with this maid - he knows it . She is like his sister now ...
I prefer to have a maid 1 or 2 times a week. Its normally just me so the place is not that dirty , but the washing and shopping helps a great deal !

relatives - not a good idea , BUT references from fronds a good starting point. try and do a record check on the maid , IF you plan to keep her long !

Good luck guys !

Surf

PS- I just wanted to thank all those who served for my freedom on USA memorial day .Canada has a different day of respect. The men/people that have died so I could enjoy my trips to the RP and life today , I cherish everyday ! What courage and honour !!! Thank-you uniformed men and women ! I salute you as a Captain! I served as well in the reserved rising to the rank of Captain , Mostly to build time flying jets ( flew 1200 hours interceptor , Tutor, and Cargo/ troops ) . After university had the option to sign up for good/regular or quit . I quite to find life in a different direction ... BUT many stayed on of course .... I lost many buddies over the years I served with. God bless you all !

ACEPoolPlayer
  5/25/2020 14:12 EST

I've had several maids. Two of which worked for me for over 10 each (not together). I've had other short term maids as temporary replacements when someone or their family member was sick or they had to go on vacation for whatever reason (Christmas). If you are a single person like Surf, maybe once a week is good. It's not easy to find someone good who will come once a week. The problem with that is they will also work for other people. Gossip about you to other maids (and other people). Big security risk. A good live in maid is better. She'll provide security when no one is home. She'll be able to watch your home when you and or your family is out of town. My maids were capable of feeding the dogs, paying bills.....etc. It's important that the rule is none of her friends or relatives are ever allowed in the house regardless whether you are home or away.

surfingcebu
  5/25/2020 17:13 EST

sage advise here Ace . I had on email and the gossip never stopped . I lay down the law about privacy , and have plenty of references ...and also know her family . The vetting process is SO important !
For me I just dont require a maid ft , nor all year round.

one tip is to pay them well , respect them and let them know the rules will be enforced - then hope for the best . Hiring off the street with no knowledge of the maid is risky - so dont do that !

gelynch52ph
  5/25/2020 22:22 EST

If you lived in your home country, would you even consider a maid? There's your answer.

Oldgrape
  5/27/2020 07:17 EST

gelynch52ph I would consider a maid service if I could afford it in the USA on my retirement income.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Oldgrape
  5/27/2020 07:23 EST

Currently we do have a lady come in once or twice a week at P500 a day. Monthly fees up here in Cavite run P6K to P7K a month for a live in maid. Plus you have to pay for Philhealth and their SSS. We originally had a live in maid but she was pregnant and left before the baby was born. Wanted to come back late with the baby and wife said no. That's a responsibility we don't want to take on. So thanks every one for the suggestions. We will keep plodding along trying to find someone via personal referral.

techyp830
  5/29/2020 19:17 EST

what is the facebook group page called?

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