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Where to live?

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billsmith
  9/26/2021 21:44 EST

If you were to consider living somewhere other than the Philippines, where would it be? The Bahamas, Belize, an island off the coast of Spain?

surfingcebu
  9/26/2021 22:28 EST

Maybe I’d consider some areas in Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos( too remote though, maybe) , Maybe Singapore- love it there ! … Costa Rica , Indonesia if crime got better…. But doubtful as the radical Muslim world has been primed under the current USA regime…. Maybe the south of Spain IF , there immigration got under control and prices came down a bit as the Euro is expensive for the Canadian Oil Buck . BTW I feel the Euro will come off big time in near term , Western Europe has been neutered with Woke-ism . Little hope left for them . Major riots in France this week. The UK made it out of the EU , just in time ….but maybe not soon enough.

With my Asian picks , it depends if we can keep China out of invading Taiwan- if we don’t defend Taiwan and keep China out, all bets are off and get out of Asia - NOW !!

Lawdog
  9/27/2021 08:27 EST

Even though it’s crowded I love Lisbon Portugal, anywhere in Costa Rica, Thailand, Malaysia, Okinawa Japan. Those will be my next choices once the world opens up. I’ll still frequent my condo in Iloilo but I want stay more than my needed scuba/jet ski time and I’m out. I never thought it would get this bad on the outside looking in. But the places I mentioned only Malaysia I haven’t stayed over 5 days which was a bummer but in due time.

Asawa
  9/27/2021 14:59 EST

Our 3rd plan is to live in the Caribbean on one of the Dutch, British, or American islands like Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, or Exuma. (But, we have no family ties there).

We have several plans depending based on what happens in the next 11 years. Plans in order are:

1) Philippines - Davao/Digos Citia Area of Mindanao (Most of our family is here)

2) Philippines - Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Super clean due to litter rules and tourism, and a paradise despite some logistics of getting in/out).

3) English Speaking Bahama Islands (Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, or Exuma)

4) Naples, Florida (AKA: God's Waiting room... due to the number of seniors who settle there)

As you research the Carribean Islands though, you'll discover virtually no elder care, health services, or standard clinical care for the elderly. Most of the islands are for tourists or those robust enough to be largely self-sufficient.

Islands in the Bahama's seem great places to knock about if you are health and/or mobile, but you'll need a backout plan if you ever require long-term care, rehabilitation, or help navigating serious health concerns.

I will also add, that some of the best opportunities to purchase a furnished property on those islands -- involve people who didn't realize this. Folks who must depart for health reasons and need liquidity to re-establish a mainland household are often quite motivated.

-Asawa

ACEPoolPlayer
  9/27/2021 15:54 EST

I always planned to move back to the Philippines and retire there in a few years (I lived in the Philippines for 25 years) Between medical school, working in the U.S. Embassy and being a Judge and Director of the PCCI (Philippine Dog Club) I've gotten to know so many people including many who own successful companies or are in very high government positions. It seemed like the logical choice to move back and retire there. My wife's family is in the Tacloban area and we have been slowly preparing a place there. Now after all the lockdowns and health problems going on I'm having second thoughts. I know of many people who have been hospitalized there with Covid and ended up with enormous hospital bills. Realistically, although I'm healthy today, we all get older and eventually sick. I'll make my final decision within 2-3 years but my thoughts are changing. We'll always go to the Philippines to visit friends and relatives but to live there permanently, I'm not sure anymore.

DavaoDelSur1
  9/29/2021 15:34 EST

My wife is from Davao Del Sur so my choices are narrowed. I do like the area even though traffic and vehicle emissions can be a pain. Plus I would prefer it a little cooler.
We have 2 school age daughters so she wants the better schools Davao City offers. Plus it's very safe.
As far as Covid is concerned, both the CEO's of Pfizer and Moderna predict "it will mostly be contained in about 1 year. Then we will probably need boosters about once a year." So hopefully the vaccinated will be able to travel more freely then. On a side note I got my 3rd Pfizer shot today.

Tsmslf
  10/4/2021 16:52 EST

Based on current events, it's time to GO as China is prepping for its invasion of Taiwan and feeling its way by its current military maneuvers. I was also surprised to learn that the US has no treaty type commitment to come to the physical aid of Taiwan if it's attacked. Our commitment is to provide military aid and materials as I read it but not troops. I would not want to provide troops myself. Let the Pinoys do it as they would be next on the Chinese shopping list in Asia I think. What better place from which to interdict Pacific shipping routes than the Phils and Guam?

Not sure I'd want to fight China over Guam either. Just my opinion as it seems like not much of a gain or asset but a helluva risk for the USA.

billsmith
  10/4/2021 20:43 EST

I completely agree Tsmslf. I'm looking at the Caribbean and islands near Spain.

Asawa
  10/5/2021 09:43 EST

BillSmith,

Since the Pandemic Started, our guilty pleasure for casual TV while our family shares meals is HGTV's Carribean Life.

If you have access to HGTV through some mechanisms (Sling, GoogleTV, etc), they have 15 seasons with pretty tropical scenery and mindless showings of 3 properties (with call outs to the price points on various islands). It's also given us some ideas for building styles that are ideal (but not common) in the Philippines.

They deal with everything from the islands off of Honduras and Mexico to more traditional Caribbean locals.

It's great tropical eye-candy if you can't get out of the house:
https://www.hgtv.com/shows/caribbean-life

You can get a few rotating (on-demand) seasons on almost every Service. It takes about 3 seasons of watching before you start to recognize specific islands.

-Asawa

surfingcebu
  10/5/2021 16:46 EST

So many expats wanting to leave ....concerning me . I really like the RP , it has some thing for everybody. I don't live there full-time and I noticed there's a difference between the guys that live there full-time and the guys that get a little bit of a break for 4 to 6 months. thoughts?

Surf .

Tsmslf
  10/5/2021 21:30 EST

Surf; what is that difference as you see it? I'm fascinated to know what you think.

draks
  10/5/2021 21:40 EST

Spain is very nice inland and coastal, I really wanted to live there, but it's not that cheap anymore. Some of the beaches are very nice but get very crowded in holiday seasons.

surfingcebu
  10/5/2021 21:51 EST

TSM - I really don't know why there is a larger exodus from the Philippines from ex-pats than before. This is a question I posed to you guys. Phillipines can be quite chaotic at times and they can build up. Maybe this is it? I am not entirely sure what is pushing a lot of ex-pats to seek Vietnam, northern Thailand, Costa Rica and so on. The question is revolving around frustration, infrastructure, and sociological inputs. I would like to hear some of the guys and girls what they think. I spent approximately 6 to 7 months a year there, and it's easy Peezy . I have a core group of my buddies that are mostly Pinoy and my motorcycle club print so I have my own gig going. My girlfriend is very supportive and we get along great. So we enjoy your time there immensely and also enjoy getting back to Canada as well. Maybe it's too much of a good thing as the saying goes? Too many cooks spoil the broth? I can't put my finger on it but I know a lot of ex-pats are evacuating out of the Philippines. Personally I've always enjoyed the Philippines and try to deviate away from the frustrations that can get to you like the paperwork and lineups and things like that. Some of the bureaucracy is horrible. The country on a whole is not progressing like the countries around it, this is a fact, However the Philippines has a lot more to offer than I think a lot of the countries around as well. Infrastructure brings the Internet the Internet brings mega problems. In social terms. The Philippines is still at a temp and seeing this regard. Maybe thank God, infrastructure is still someone muted this is what saves Phillipines in some regard.

One of my frustrations is always seeing the trillions and trillions and trillions of dollars underneath the peoples feet and natural gas, gold, copper, silver and other valuable minerals but no impetus to go ahead and my knees minerals in a proper open pit manner. Reclamation Bonds and other things we use in the west to reclaim the mine after usage , don't seem to matter in the Philippines. People would rather collect 200 pesos or 300 pesos a day holding a sign for a few days saying they're against mining meanwhile they have problems feeding their children. It just doesn't add up. Starvation versus opportunity. Opportunity always wins out except of course it appears in the Philippines. There is plenty of opportunity but no impetus to make it happen for some reason. This is frustrating to see always. I love this country as my own and I treated as my own with respect. The star poverty that doesn't have to be is always frustrating to see. But, on the whole I don't think this is the main factor that is pushing ex-pats out of the Philippines. Could it be an anti-western Sentiment ? I just don't know.

If anybody can understand why, blog in .

Lawdog
  10/5/2021 22:18 EST

Surf I like the write up of pros and cons. Most is solid if you have traveled to the other places people are naming. The places they are naming are way faster developing than the Phillipines. The what if’s about the Phillipines are now overrated and far fetched. It’s 2020 and still very very little progress with no future site of even catching up to a tier 2 country. If one chooses a place to go for sanity and peace it’s better to have all the access to better options with the same cost of living but better options such as the basics of internet, hospitals, housing etc. If the long timers are leaving it’s because of what’s happening now is worse than before due to like all countries a government that’s not even trying to help it’s own and will never help a foreigner. If I’m going to spend my money I’d rather it be spent and accepted where I’m happy rather than a hope to be happy thinking something will change and it’s not close to any change.

I own my condo in Iloilo but reside in Miami and I tell you I want give up coconut grove to reside in the Phillipines if you have me all the money in the world. An okay place to visit but live is a stretch. Many who move are not well off they are more looking to stretch the money they have and make it work for them to where they don’t feel the western pressures but the Phillpines pressure of basic banking or drinking water will wear you out day to day to get quality service with no real reason behind it. Carribean offers more with risk of hurricanes, Europe has some cheaper places if you search, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia all have the same weather and beaches with a better overall quality of life. I’m only 44 but if I’m older I want less stress and more peace not the opposite lol. Just my 2 cents to why I think others are reconsidering

billsmith
  10/5/2021 23:14 EST

With me it's not just the culture or third World environment Surf, it's also the lockdown policies, China sending a LOT of warplanes over Taiwan, and of course the manmade islands with missile launchers on them.

Asawa
  10/6/2021 00:16 EST

in the 1990's and 2000's, I did have that idea of taking one of those 4-8 month world cruises that stop at like 50 ports in 30 countries. Given what we've seen happen to cruise ships and port lockdowns, this is no longer appealing.

As to the other: I think the reason that Expat's are backing out relates to local lock downs, travel restrictions, and all the uncertainty since mid-2020.

I suspect folks are having creeping doubts without the "Saftey Net" of an assurance they could leave in an Emergency. Even if most people would never really act on that, there is some comfort in knowing you could escape if things got bad.

Having seen that they might get stuck for indeterminate periods (without an escape or back-out plan), people with doubts are probably re-assessing their risk tolerance

Basically, it's just fear, uncertainty, and people's perception of control.

-Asawa

JimmyLewis
  10/6/2021 02:44 EST

Surf-Probably just burn out. After living in Korea 7 years when I left there and landed in Shanghai I felt a great sense of relief. Then after living in Philippines 6 years and visiting my family Thanksgiving 2018 in Calif for a week,I couldn't wait to get back to the Philippines. 9 yrs plus here is long enough, for me anyway, and I always like traveling. Since I am already settled here I might just travel a few months of the year once or twice a year and just return. Haven't really decided yet and the virus has been a real deterrent. Things might not be changing for a while. Patience is a virtue! Good health to all!

JimmyLewis
  10/6/2021 03:08 EST

Good comments LawDog. I got my eye on Georgia in Europe(Asia?) Two cities Batumi on the west coast of Georgia( about 10 miles north of the Turkish border) and the capital Tbilisi where English speaking is more prevalent. Seaside(Black Sea)Low cost of living and free annual visas to ex-pats. If live longer than a year just cross the border to Turkey or Armenia and return 5 days later. Unlimited renewals on the visas. I am just in the contemplation phase now. Check it out online anyone who may be interested.

surfingcebu
  10/6/2021 10:56 EST

Bill/Asawa - you guys have valid points. In May 2020 I had a Bitch of a time getting back to Canada. Airlines were not interested in flying from the RP , Plus PAL promised me 6 times !!!! to fly me out , yet cancelled their flight . I ended up taking ANA , at a slightly higher cost and wait time in Japan ...then I phoned my credit card company and told them PAL refused service , while ANA did not . they refunded me the price . The guy at the credit card company said PAL fought like hell to keep their money and they said " You can keep his money as you did not provide the service and another airline did ! " . Yes , they(PAL) canceled me 6 times through MNL . Goofy operation and unclean ...and of course in bankruptcy now eating up RP funds that should go to the elderly, the hungry and so on ... SO the moral of the story is it is not that easy to evacuate the Philippines in an emergency, it's not only in your mind it's an actual fact. God help you if there was a coup d'état or there was other severe national issue, a lot of airlines would just leave you hanging in the Philippines. Certainly not a priority.

This brings me to bills summation. Yes China is expanding and has over 840 missiles pointed at various Southeast Asian countries from their artificial islands. Yes, it won't be long before they overtake the independent nation of Taiwan. A true democracy and much much different people than the mainland. It is truly a shame that the free world let's China fly their bombers fully loaded over the country on a daily basis now without any resistance. This demonstrates how the free world is SO weak now. This is going to be the flashpoint for sure in southeast Asia. I am very concerned about this and it's consequences for the great people of the Philippines and my friends there. I don't understand how the USA can allow this to happen, certainly they know it will have direct consequences on their own country. Each country is not an island of their own now. They are all interconnected. I looked back at World War II and the USA stagnating entry into the war, until they had their asses kicked in Pearl Harbour and all the deaths. At that point they decided to protest the Nazi expansion in Europe and the Japanese expansion in southeast Asia. They have an opportunity right now to protest China, under this regime in the USA they simply will not do anything. This threatens the free world . We cannot depend on France, Belgium and Sweden to keep Liberty and democracy . SO Bill, again , you have a valid point . Maybe the ex-pats are getting a little bit of the heebie-jeebies over the Chinese expansion in Southeast Asia and their ability to exit the country in a timely fashion as outlined above. Good point really. But I'm wondering if the average expat thinks beyond a 2 week period? . Remember , some go 'native' and start to loose long term thinking and economic planning in a global sense . They say , "who cares what happens to Canada, the UK or Taiwan ...im safe here in Idaho " , syndrome ....

Surf .

Lawdog
  10/6/2021 12:13 EST

Surf don’t ever call a sneak attack as getting our asses kicked that was a cowards move!!!!!

surfingcebu
  10/6/2021 12:36 EST

Lawdog…. Do you have a good point, that has been debated by strategic military schools and even up to your TV generals. Prior to the invasion of Hawaii, there was many telegraph and VHF radio signals that were intercepted that concluded that Japan was on the pre-posit of going after United States. It was telegraphed a long way out on the balance of probabilities. Even the radar stations could’ve picked up the attack 250 nautical miles west of the Hawaiian islands. So there was much controversy over was Hawaii battle ready port or was it a great layover port where people went about their daily lives thinking that they’re insulated from the rest of the world. With nasty words going back-and-forth with Japan in the USA at the time, do you think that the closest state to Japan would’ve been bad already. It was a plane massacre. Usually military officials except General Millie of course and other American TV generals, don’t phone up your potential enemy and tell them and see what they’re going to do or not going to do months before and undermine the president. It was simply the USA thinking they were on the island of their own. They got waking up from a deep sleep. At this point then there was a strong aversion towards Nazism and the imperial army of Japan. I am sure the campus culture creeps would like to rewrite the history, but that’s it in a nutshell. Sneak attacks happen, even when you’re trying to play the swiss card like the USA was trying to do prior to getting involved in the war and helping their allies. Look at the Swiss, they were the Nazis bankers. No dispute about it. They took a side and remained the Nazis bankers for the entire period of the German push until 1949. There is still massive massive amounts of gold, currency, and other items left in vast votes unclaimed by the former German government, worth trillions and trillions. However, after the Americans were pushed over the ledge and not given the Swiss card, they fared out quite well. They were a fresh Army entering with fresh troops in a very very beleaguered push in Europe and in the south pacific arena. Remember, your allies were fighting the war long before you entered it as Americans. We appreciated the help and the freshness of your military as ours were beaten up and supply lines were getting cut off. So I would suggest it was entry at the right moment to help Canada the Australians, the British, and then push in southeast Asia and in Europe. If my history books are wrong, let me know. They are old ones. Mostly from Britain as well.

Surf !

Tsmslf
  10/6/2021 16:24 EST

Pursuant to your request, there was never an "invasion" of Hawaii by the Japanese. There was the attack on Pearl Harbor of course but they never set foot on any of the islands or tried to launch an actual invasion. Whatever book you have that says that should be discarded asap.

billsmith
  10/6/2021 17:40 EST

EXCELLENT analysis Surf!!! The Japanese were also VERY good at looting. My good friend, Sterling Seagrave, wrote three books about this and how it relates to the Philippines.

surfingcebu
  10/6/2021 18:18 EST

TSM - You 100% right .My Error . I used the wrong adverb . I should have used 'attack' , 'whooping' , sortie, or how about Blitzkrieg?, Strafe? .... No occupation of the main Hawaiian island were reported , although outter islands were suspected. However the history books that I have are quite accurate and from the period... not from some woke 'Degree Mill' campus college in upstate NewYork. HA!!

Basically history that I read from these previous books handed down to be from the UK, say you joined the war very late . It started in 1939 , your country joined in almost 1942 (Dec 11th 1941 to be exact , but took 2-4 moths to mobilize ) . The USA Watched from the sidelines as their allies got slaughtered , pulled the "Swiss card" as many say , and watched the Nazis overtake and brutalize Europe along with Switzerland as her bankers, and also watched their allies take on the Japanese in South Pacific region. The USA chose to stand back and watch their allies get pummelled until 1942. It wasn't until the Japanese took out the USA Pacific Fleet in/on December 1941 did the USA participate in the war...and agree this war DID concern them and their allies .To choose not to support their allies was clearly the wrong choice. But a choice nonetheless. The " we are an Island " and " you guys fight I will hold the wallets " , only work for the Swiss .

Once entered into the war USA for valiantly with their new equipment and fresh troops. The allies had taken pummelling with the fresh German army. The allies were gleeful that the USA would join them in their fight against Nazism and pull away from all the accolades they gave the Nazis and the Japanese prior to getting pummelled in Hawaii.

In December 1941, Japan fully entered the war, by attacking British South Pacific targets , American Targets /Hawaii and Dutch targets in SE Asia in the Pacific. Canada contributed military units and personnel Immediately in the Pacific to aid their allies in the war against Japan and to protect outposts, as they were already stationed in Hong Kong, A British Colony at the time. Canadians were already present and fighting the Japanese on various fronts in the Pacific and in Europe. So the opportunity to defend its allies was a natural one.

That's how it went in the history books, what do your history books say?

Let to the party , but better late then never I gather ? The USA contribution was appreciated and impactful.

They will have another chance in history with Taiwan. Will they stand back and watch democracy go down or will they participate with their allies? History in the making, TSM .

SURF .

billsmith
  10/6/2021 18:30 EST

Yes Surf, the writing is on the wall. I prefer to prevent problems before they happen. Some people prefer to allow problems to happen and try to fix them afterwards. Some problems are unsolvable.

billsmith
  10/6/2021 18:40 EST

Your old history books are correct Surf. We are seeing digital book burning taking place as we speak with censorship and the erasing of history. Fun Fact: Japan attacked both Pearl Harbor and the Philippines on the same day if memory serves.

JimmyLewis
  10/7/2021 03:40 EST

The American civil war and WWII are the only real wars we had. All the others were political and America fighting other countries' battles. Waste of time. money and lives!

JimmyLewis
  10/7/2021 03:45 EST

I agree Surf!

JimmyLewis
  10/7/2021 04:02 EST

LawDog-and anyone else can just ignore my previous comments about Batumi/Tbilisi, Georgia. After watching a few youtube vids I could see it live. The visa benefits and low cost of living and a few other things don't outweigh the other things I already have. Will stay here in PI and play it by ear. I recommend anyone deciding to come to the Philippines to watch as many videos online as possible before making the move so there are no regrets later. I do believe some come here for the wrong reasons. I came here cuz can't afford to live anywhere else and certainly not in America. Feel safer here in PI. Good luck to all! Look before you leap!

surfingcebu
  10/7/2021 08:54 EST

Jimmy - I agree with you . Its a balance keeping Socialism at bay , and fighting wars . I think TSM would agree to this at well . Turning a blind eye to China , would be foolish and short sighted. They are coming after the independent Democracy of Taiwan. IF America looks the other way, the socialists in their own country have the ""green light" to take the next steps to make the USA a Communist State .
For the life of me , I dont know why the USA doesn't have 2-3 aircraft carriers of the East coast of Taiwan , right now - to head off 2-3 Sortie's a day over Taiwan by China Bombers . Before Christmas, China will try to overthrow the democracy of Taiwan . America is next , depending on how they react to China . Remember your dealign with a Country that "seeded the world" with the China Plague - then denied it ....then when caught , lied about it . They MUST pay for all the deaths !

surfingcebu
  10/7/2021 09:08 EST

Bill , you are right about Pearl Harbour and the Philipines, I think too ... they were dug in tight prior to the invasion too , many months of planning and digging in prior to invasion into Philipines ....hence the USA Knew it was coming but failed to act .

The Canadians down in Hong Kong / about 10,000 of them were slaughtered . Not much western help to take on the Japanese .

The rapping ,Killing and stealing of anything worth of value was Brutal. by Japanese under the Imperial Army . The Officers preferred teh samurai sword to cut the arms, hands and necks off of farmers and Military men , rather than waste a bullet on them . Just Brutal . this is what "playing the Swiss card" culminates in .

We have a chance with China , IF we dotn ignore them and telegraph weakness NOW ! .

When China goes after Taiwan , the RP will be in real jeopardy . Getting out of this war zone will be very difficult . Biden better grab some balls now ... or. people are goign to suffer for generations .

According to Kerry and others on the hill , the USA president, has "no Knowledge that France and to a leaser extent other allies have evacuated embassy staff in USA . Zero Knowledge . Frightful ! This SHOULD BE , head-line News . Why is it not?

this wont end well ,

Surf !

Tsmslf
  10/7/2021 12:46 EST

We already have US troops in Taiwan, training the Taiwanese forces, That's historically step one in getting involved in war. I think MacArthur was right about getting into a land war with China and that we should continue to avoid it. The Chinese will take Taiwan, then the RP and then Japan which is the prize they really want. Biden will act stupidly as always and get us into it to our possible destruction. The Chinese will have no compunctions about ballistic atomic bombing of the USA and we have to react similarly to force them to stop or we are all dead. I do not think we can conquer China and occupy it as we did Germany.
There is no good solution to a war of that likely magnitude. It will be destruction like the world has never seen before and it will be everywhere.

gelynch52ph
  10/7/2021 13:29 EST

When you live there full time you become acutely aware of all the warts and they really start to mount up. I lived there 14 years with extended periods away teaching in Korea and Saudi. Once I reached an age where I could no longer get teaching visas and a break from the RP, and had to stay indefinitely; life became untenable and frustrating. I left in Oct. of 2017 and will never return.

Tsmslf
  10/7/2021 19:05 EST

True enough. My history book for WWII is my memory. I was 11 when the "dirty Japs" attacked Pearl. I heard the radio announcement that rainy Sunday afternoon in The Bronx. My cousin Charles was shot down near Guadalcanal the following Summer. He was our family's Gold Star guy. I still pray for his soul each day.

billsmith
  10/7/2021 19:36 EST

I totally agree Surf, but I think China will take the Philippines and some other Asian Countries before moving on the US.

surfingcebu
  10/7/2021 20:44 EST

TSM , The Canadians were in the war since 1939. I lost three uncles in the war and my father was injured. He was one of the lucky ones being a pilot and just got shrapnel through his chest and made it back to a remote island fortunately with Australians medics there .
Let me tell you for sure, if the US does not go after China and they make a run for Taiwan, you will lose many many more current relatives then you can count on both hands. It’s coming. Brace brace brace!!!!

Tsmslf
  10/7/2021 20:58 EST

I think I'll be gone when the big one comes. I am 91 and can't live forever. We have training troops there in Taiwan but as for a land war in China, that is an unlikely victory. The PR has more risks in that than we do as they'll be invaded early on I believe. The Chinese will use Subic and Clark plus Guam as their main bases early on.

billsmith
  10/8/2021 07:38 EST

For whatever it's worth:

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/10/07/marines-special-ops-troops-secretly-deploying-taiwan-amid-china-tensions-report-says.html?ESRC=eb_211008.nl

surfingcebu
  10/8/2021 15:13 EST

Bill, if the United States does nothing with the impending takeover of the democracy of Taiwan, like they did in WW 2, they/China will choke the USA off through third parties. They will bleed and steal the country dry just as a they doing with the carbon taxes and trade deals, et al, that bleed the US dry and China is not a part of. Yes, a lot of people don't realize the China is not a participant in the Paris climate accord until 2038. At which time they will renegotiate it or run from it. So they hamstring the United States economy with extra costs, fund massive immigration from around the world, and downgrade their economy, while silly 'do-gooders' socialists stand watching . Perfect plan really - IF they let you get away with it . This is the third-party approach. With regard to the Philippines yes, they will envelop the Philippines after Taiwan(that's why it's crucial for the USA in the free world to act upon any aggression towards Taiwan.) they will go after the Third World nations around the area... They will leave the fillet mignon, meaning, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore until last. That will be the dessert ! :)

Further, this is why I say always rent in the Philippines, as the neighbourhood is somewhat dicey these days due to the China overtaking democracies in the region. Last week, reportedly, they sent 44, yes 44!!! , loaded bombers over the Taiwanese aerospace. The US has not even moved their ships into the region. "Silence construes consent" at international Law . What a pity. It wont end well.

Keep well Brothers,

SURF

surfingcebu
  10/8/2021 15:31 EST

Bill, This link is excellent news. IMHO , its a little too small of a force , and a little too late . Apparently your Pres. , according to various lawmakers in the US...he doent even realize that France has left with zero embassy reps left in the USA and other countries are down to minimal staff or have left as well- not looking good when he does not even know ! I care for the USA deeply and have half my family down there .

To protect Taiwan, they have to move in the aircraft carriers another submarines into the region. A show of force. Unfortunately that is all China recognizes. Negotiations and UN type banter is laughable to them. By protecting the Taiwan, by default you protect the Philippines, Japan, and the rest of the South Pacific and the "nine dash lines" they falsely claim. Of course you're absolutely right, the Philippines is very very crucial for shipping and has trillions and trillions and trillions of dollars of untapped resources including natural gas which China is very much in need of.

Great Link . Thanks for that Bill




https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/10/07/marines-special-ops-troops-secretly-deploying-taiwan-amid-china-tensions-report-says.html?ESRC=eb_211008.nl

surfingcebu
  10/8/2021 16:24 EST

gelynch - you left the RP in 2017 to never return ....so sad . gezzz . Do you come to visit or ? I would imagine you have a lot of family and friends in the Philippines, that you would like to stay in contact with? Anyway let me know. Why did you find it unbearable there? Was it because it was full-time rather than part-time? You live in the USA now , or ? .....What part of the culture or the situation did you find really adverse? I find all the bureaucracy and some of the prejudice over the top, but that is the minority , Thanks God !

SURF .

ACEPoolPlayer
  10/8/2021 17:30 EST

This conversation is getting ridiculous. There is no way the U.S. allows China to take over Taiwan and the Philippines. Maybe a few years ago it seemed 25-50 years from now everyone would be speaking Chinese, The whole world is starting to open their eyes and wake up. I'm not concerned one bit. The way you two are talking you are expecting this great take over to happen when? Within one year, two years? I'm curious to hear your prediction, so when the time comes and nothing has happened this conversation will be finally dead.

surfingcebu
  10/8/2021 19:24 EST

Ace— I am certainly glad you think that there is NO way, that the USA would not let China take over Taiwan. I don’t think your current administration now is aligned with your thoughts though.
You have to understand one thing. They are not going to do it the American way, they will do it the Chinese way. That’s something very very foreign to Americans. American conventional wars have had their day. It will be a slow creep into your economics, into your universities, into your government, into your resources ownership.
My prediction? Within 1.5 years China will make a run at Taiwan. Xi has to save face. Tremendous pressure from the communist party for him to grab Taiwan back. Do you understand the pressure he is under to do something? Your TV generals have led you astray. It is more eminent than you think. All the university seats that are taken up in the USA and in Canada, do you think you just put up your hand in China and you get sent to Boston College? They are thoroughly vetted, then their family is vetted, then their friends are vetted, then they have to join a CCP. Once that procedure is over they get the lecture that if they step out of line their families and friends disappear back home. You have to bring home some thing to the party or you can’t continue year degree. Most students are lieutenants in the CCP army. They will deny it but your TV generals could confirm it if they were honest with you.

1.5 years is only my guess, based on listening to lectures by the CCP…your current administration MUST still be in power. That is critical so says the Chinese news networks and think tanks . If you turn on Chinese news it’s all there for you. I’m not saying something that is unique, or near genius. It’s simply on the TV stations, their ambitions, how they’re going to do it, and when they’re going to do it. Having your current administration in is critical and key to the Taiwan push though. From there the South Pacific is next.

But please remember, it won’t be done your way, the American way, it will be done the Chinese way. Do you remember Tibet? The USA enabled China to grow to the monster it is now. So, rightfully so , the USA should be the ones that that deal with the problem. The silly idea to prop up China to dampen communism was a grave grave air. Trillions were spent on China from the USA to prop them up and to embolden their military. Now we have a freaking monster on our hands. Frankly, they are the only superpower right now that has the military to stop them.

The issue comes when you’re trying to get out of the Philippines if in fact the Chinese push south soon. Taiwan is the first Target, then to push south. The big problem is how do you evacuate the Philippines in time of trouble? Very very difficult. That’s one main concern traveller should have when they go to the Philippines or any other Third World country is how do you get out in times of trouble? Just over the Chinese plague, all our Canadian embassy shut down for months in the RP . Just with the Chinese plague I was stranded there three months. Partly it was Philippine Airlines inefficiencies and lies that kept me there but nonetheless it was hard to get out.

So it’s only my guess. 1.5 years. Be ready. China is .

Surf .

surfingcebu
  10/8/2021 19:29 EST

Ace, when I look at my history books, one of the admirals , Said the exact same thing you did during times of tension. “I am not concerned one bit “. Ironic, that you would say the same thing. He said that just before the Pacific Fleet was sunk to the bottom of the ocean. I am not concerned one bit. Paradoxically, the Chinese are very very concerned that their plans are all out in a Chinese fashion. Odd on one end of the scale zero concern on the other end of the scale hyper concerned by the Chinese. You be the judge.

ACEPoolPlayer
  10/8/2021 20:51 EST

Ok, you are saying 1.5 years and you are also preaching they will envelop the Philippines afterward. I'd bet my life on it that it will neve happen.

JimmyLewis
  10/9/2021 02:48 EST

Time will tell and there's really nothing anyone can do to stop time or alter it. K SA RA SA RA! Stay tuned!

gypsyquokka
  10/9/2021 04:26 EST

ACE - Thankyou for posting some civility into the Forum. "Maybe" it will slow down the endless fear and dribble that surf posts daily about China, Taiwan and Philippines. He is a natural fearmonger. I agree with you that we will not see the Philippines in any danger = Taiwan possible to some degree, in years to come. Keep Smiling

JimmyLewis
  10/20/2021 02:09 EST

Great comments Surf! Things aren't looking very promising and only time will tell. There's always/usually/sometimes a surprise waiting around the corner. Let's wait and see.

randee01
  11/2/2021 05:01 EST

Tawain invasion between Christmas and New Years. Time to get right with Jesus.

DavaoDelSur1
  11/3/2021 00:00 EST

China has too much to lose trade wise to invade Taiwan. As far as Jesus goes...
Jesus is just alright with me,
Jesus is just alright, oh yeah
Jesus is just alright with me,
Jesus is just alright
I don't care what they may say
I don't care what they may do
I don't care what they may say
Jesus is just alright, oh yeah
Jesus is just alright

JimmyLewis
  11/3/2021 03:35 EST

China may have the military but they are not dumb. Kinda like Kim in NOKO shooting of rockets to get attention. Chinese leaders know that if America gets involved that China may even win but it would set them back financially for decades. After what China did to the world I just don't think Russia is gonna help them. Russia is also not in the best financial situation. Let's wait and see. It's all just a game to these Dumbo leaders including Sleepy Joe.

tombalita1
  11/5/2021 08:34 EST

DDS,

I love in this order:

1. Jesus
2. Family
3. Doobie Brothers

All the best,
Tom

JimmyLewis
  11/7/2021 02:24 EST

Tom-Doobie Bros? I'll go with Elvis and the Righteous Bros.Joke Lang!

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