External of the Philippines use the Telegraphic Transfer (Remittance) facility. Fees vary a lot between banks so check with the receiving bank how much they charge. I recommend from overseas the UCPB here in the Philippines, they are always quick, just three working days, and the charge is about P150. I don't know about being able to open a RP bank account from the UK. It can be done in the US because we have several banks here with branches in the RP (and visa versa). I know that you can obtain American Express traveler's checks in the UK and I'd recommend that as one option for you. They can be easily cashed for good exchange rates at the American Express travel office on the 2nd floor of the Ayala Mall, across from Ginko's. If traveler's checks are a problem for you and you can't open an account in a Philippine bank from where you are, you can still open an account when you arrive with the cash you are carrying. If none of these options are convenient, you might also try carrying an ATM card. You will be limited to your bank's daily withdrawal limit and sometimes you may have difficulty finding a machine that works with your card, but this has also become a popular method.

I am from the U.K. but now live in Cagayan de Oro. I have a savings account in PNB LONDON and the same in CAGAYAN DE ORO with an ATM CARD. Withdrawal is up to 20 thousand pesos per day. My U.K. Pension is paid into the London account then transferred to Cagayan de Oro. This normally takes 5 working days and the cost is about 350 pesos. In an emergency the London branch can do the transfer by computer straight into my ATM card and I received the cash within TWO HOURS!!! We have a foreigners club in Cagayan de Oro which meets every Wed morning at Over the Top in Burgos street and any of you are always welcome.

anyone know how to send a self-addressed STAMPED envelope to the UK? is there some sort of international reply coupon ? Don sugested buying some english stamps downtown!. Answers quickly, or i'll have to send two english pound coins, and you know how much Those weigh!

From US Customs regarding money you are ""allowed"" to remove from the country: ""You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. But if it's more than $10,000, you'll need to report it to Customs. Ask the Customs officer for the Currency Reporting Form (CF 4790) (PDF). The penalties for not complying can be quite severe. ""Money"" means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coin currently in circulation, currency, traveler's checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form

you say that we can bring more than 10K into the PI ""if you report it"". does this mean there are fees to pay if more than 10K is brought into the country, or is it just a matter of filling out documents???

I don't know about being able to open a RP bank account from the UK. It can be done in the US because we have several banks here with branches in the RP (and visa versa). I know that you can obtain American Express traveler's checks in the UK and I'd recommend that as one option for you. They can be easily cashed for good exchange rates at the American Express travel office on the 2nd floor of the Ayala Mall, across from Ginko's. If traveler's checks are a problem for you and you can't open an account in a Philippine bank from where you are, you can still open an account when you arrive with the cash you are carrying. If none of these options are convenient, you might also try carrying an ATM card. You will be limited to your bank's daily withdrawal limit and sometimes you may have difficulty finding a machine that works with your card, but this has also become a popular method.

So you are saying there are no penalties, it's just a matter of letting the authorities know how much money you are bringing into the country?? If this is the case, then you a person would be foolish not to declare more than 10K, with the penilties you mention. Kevin "You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. But if it's more than $10,000, you'll need to report it to Customs. Ask the Customs officer for the Currency Reporting Form (CF 4790) (PDF). The penalties for not complying can be quite severe. "Money"" means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coin currently in circulation, currency, traveler's checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. AMERICAN expatriates may need to remember the adage ""Out of sight, out of mind."" Without careful planning, investors who step out of the United States financial machine could find themselves shut out of the system when they move back home. It is a very good idea to keep your credit cards at least one, when you live here. It is hard to get them when you return as the article says. And if you are retired on a pension or other wise judgment proof, nobody wants to give you one. If you have one and don't use it, your limit goes down radically too. I have an American Express I still keep and pay a lot each year for but rarely use. When I was in the States my credit limit was very high because I used it. Now it is down to $2,500. I asked them if they could raise if back up just a bit. They said only if my activity warranted it.

We have been in Manila almost two months now. Our feet are on the ground and we are settling in. Our first impressions were very pleasant because we were staying in the Makati district. After two months our impressions are still pleasant and amusing. We spent two weeks in a lovely hotel until our house was ready and our furniture delivered. That certainly was a break from the real world. We are now neighbors of Clarence Henderson in San Lorenzo village. He and I are meeting for coffee Friday morning. It is in a nice village and we have a great house but do not have a yard. The style is different from an American house, much larger than we would have normally. No complains just an observation. All of my bathrooms work! I do find the daily tasks of errands and shopping quite exhausting. The energy of the city, the crowds of people, and the traffic really wear me down. I am starting to learn to use my helper more efficiently. I have been doing many of my own errands and shopping so I know what is available. Also, I am doing the last minute Christmas shopping. For help, I have an all around maid and a driver. My helpers work Monday through Friday; the maid lives off-site per her request and the driver stays at the house during the week and with his family weekends. Both will work after-hours and on weekends as needed. I have used the maid to baby-sit several Saturdays. Both are on a ""will see"" trial until the end of the month and are both working out well. I am paying them an outrageous amount according to what I have read in the group. But the salary is all-inclusive and they do not get any allowances. I did learn that it is better to negotiate a smaller salary and many allowances. Even though the bottom line is the same, it appears you are giving more. The maid had worked for the Americans who lived in the house prior to us. She knows the routine and I let her run the general housekeeping and laundry, as she desires. I have only occasionally had to offer suggestions or make changes. I am cooking because it is something that I enjoy I do have the maid do the prep work and I leave all the dishes for her in the morning. The maid is restricted from picking up toys in the boys' rooms. They are responsible for their own messes. Yes, I do walk the dog rain or shine. She is a spoiled brat and doesn't like to listen to anyone except me. She thinks the wild cats are the best thing and chases everyone of them off of our lanai. We are living in Makati and are finding it very civilized except for the traffic. Traffic is a bit of a problem and has been the biggest adjustment. Everyone claims it will be better after the holidays. I was really relieved when my car arrived from the states and I could stop relying on taxis. I did find that taxis were a good way to get around and learn the city. I have been too nervous to try a jeepney or bus. I am from small town America. I rode in my first Taxi here. I do drive myself on occasion and feel I do fairly well. Though we did hire a driver just to avoid the hassle of parking. The boys seem to be adjusting very well. The oldest is in second grade and except for the 6:15 am bus pick up is enjoying school and making friends. He is one of three Americans in his class so is making a great variety of friends. He has also made some friends in the neighborhood. Though the neighborhood isn't very supportive of outside play. My youngest is having a harder time adjusting. He is really missing his friends in the states. We just started a preschool program and he seems to enjoy it. I think he will begin to meet some children now that he is in school. Though he needs another activity with just five-year-old boys. My oldest loves the adventure of seeing new things and trying new foods. The youngest is happier closer to home. Sweetie (my poor abused husband Don) is working incredibly long hours. So his adapting is on hold until work is less hectic. He is driving to and from work with an occasional lunch out of the office. He has had a couple of trips out of the city and is dying to go out for pleasure. I am learning where to go for - corn tortilla! I found a source in Quezon City, just today. I am very excited. I am still trying to find someone to take me to the fabric market and China town. All and all I am really enjoying life in Manila. I am embracing being a princess and am looking for a tiara. Though, as expected, clothes off the rack are hard to find and shoes almost impossible, I found a good seamstress. I am starting to get past the fact that I would not draw any more attention if I was in a Xena outfit. The people have been truly gracious and kind. Being a princess aside, the amount of poverty is heart breaking. I received some very good advice from a friend stationed in Jakarta. She told me that because of my hired helpers I would have the gift of time. I can use that time for my own pleasure or I can use it to make a huge contribution to the quality of life for people who have less than I have been graced with. There are many groups in Manila that can always use some extra support. That is my report from Manila. We are ready for company. I have received several invitations to visit from people on the list who live in Manila. I am going to take them up on those offers after the holidays. So watch out here I come.

Hi everybody! I know the question about visa always comes back! But maybe I am stupid but I did'nt yet find what I'm looking for! I'm a french women planning to go to Philippines at the begining of next year. I've founded a caritative french-filipina organization for helping needy children. My problem is : how to get a longstay visa? Here, in France it is only possible to get one just for 59 days...and after? I ask myself if it would be possible to arrive in Phils without visa - just get a 21 days one on the arrival - and pay later when I leave the fees for an overstay (a long one!) Do you think it is possible ? And how could be the charge for that? I have read somewhere that, now, there is no more need to have a return ticket when you arrive in Phils? Is it right? Thanx a lot for repplies

Dear All, In my opinion, bringing a large amount of cash into the country that has to be declared is not a good idea. I did this once and the declaration process consisted of me having to produce the money to be counted out in the open - just standing at a counter with all kinds of people hanging around who could see how much I was carrying and ogling at it. Counting out the money while trying not to display it too much and at the same time attempting to keep a wary eye on my baggage was nigh on impossible. All very risky and altogether a foolish business. You would be lucky to get to your hotel or wherever without being robbed. Use a bank instead.

Your question isn't specific, but I'll try assuming that your question is that the lease you are speaking of was signed by a Philippine citizen you are married to or living with and your relationship hypothetically goes south, what is your standing on the lease? In this case, none. You as a foreigner have a right to enter into a lease agreement yourself and if you have, your relationship is irrelevant. The situation would become murky if you both have entered into a lease jointly, but chances are that you would still be out. You as a foreigner have no rights of ownership to property, so you have no rights in it's sale. I hope I've answered your question

Hi, Folks, As I understand it, the reason you should declare anything over US$10k, is that you can't take more than that out unless you registered bringing it in. It's just a matter of recording that your brought this money into the country so you're entitled to take it out, if stopped by customs when you leave. As regards opening an RP bank account from UK I opened one with HSBC through their overseas department in the UK with a referral (letter of introduction) from Nat West with whom I hold my main UK account. By the way, for any of you UK citizens resident in Philippines and drawing on a UK pension, per the UK-Philippines Tax Treaty rules you might be aware (or might not) that this treaty states that you are resident where you have a permanent home available to you (if it's both then there are more rules) and only the country of residence can tax your pension. In Philippines there is no tax on pensions.

You can get a 59 day visa before you go from any Philippine embassy or consulate for a fee. You can get the standard 21 day visa at the airport when you arrive. I've been traveling into the Philippines every year for nearly 20 years and have never been asked to see a return ticket, but once when I did get the 59 day visa from a consulate they wanted to see a copy of my return ticket. After you arrive and before your visa runs out, apply for an extension. If you are on the 21 day visa your first extension will be for 38 days making 59 total. Before your 59 days runs out you may apply for extensions, one month at a time, for up to a year total. You must then leave. Take an overnighter to Singapore or Hong Kong. When you return you start all over again. If you overstay you will be charged what the extensions would have cost you plus P500 or more. We've heard of Immigration Officers trying to charge P500 per day of overstay. Departing visitors don't have many choices and are vulnerable. I'd recommend that you get your extensions on time.

Hi everybody! I know the question about visa always comes back! But maybe I am stupid but I did'nt yet find what I'm looking for! I'm a french women planning to go to Philippines at the begining of next year. I've founded a caritative french-filipina organization for helping needy children. My problem is : how to get a longstay visa? Here, in France it is only possible to get one just for 59 days...and after? I ask myself if it would be possible to arrive in Phils without visa - just get a 21 days one on the arrival - and pay later when I leave the fees for an overstay (a long one!) Do you think it is possible ? And how could be the charge for that? I have read somewhere that, now, there is no more need to have a return ticket when you arrive in Phils? Is it right? Thanx a lot for repplies

In my limited experience I've found that in hiring help all is negotiable. I've also learned that for me, it is best to try to pay local rates. Drivers and construction workers get from P3,800 to P5,000 per month. I've had only one occasion to hire household help in Cebu City and all the rest of the time in the province. The common practice seems to be that live in or out, helpers get fed if they are on the premises during a mealtime. For household help I've paid as little as P800 and as much as P1,600 per month. Live-ins get paid a little less perhaps, but their pay depends mostly upon their experience and expected duties and responsibilities. In a couple of cases I've covered their children's extra school expenses and always they and their immediate family's medical and dental. They are expected to work 6 days a week and if they are live-in they get one day off a week (overnight is okay). They can always negotiate for special time off and I might even help them with travel expenses if they have an away emergency. They get holiday bonuses and sometimes a 10% bonus if they've done good work and just for the heck of it. I think the ""extras"" make all the difference in enthusiasm, loyalty and moral. As with everything in the RP, your mileage may vary!

I understand why you shop at first. But you can quit that soon. That is exhausting indeed. My maids do that, unless it is for my shoes or somethning personal. Why only one helper. From what you say below it sounds to me you may be paying way too much. But I don't know Manila. This is a good one to ask Clarence about or better his wife. I bet she does not pay too much.

It sounds like they have made their own hours so you can pay overtime. I would not hire anyone but a live in helper. Do check with Clarence or his wife. That does not sound right. In my house, common here, there are no after hours and week ends. They get one day a week off and that does not mean over night. Now I did not make there rules. They brought them with them from their last jobs. One worked for Malaysians and one worked for Japaneese and made less.

Answering to your question : I plan to go to Palawan - South Palawan. I got in touch thru internet with a filipina family in Puerto Princesa. That's why I've decided to begin by Palawan. But before I want to make a ""tour"" around RP for few months, first to have some holidays, then to learn about the filipino way of life...after that I'll decide where to stay! I know well SEA but not Philippines... so it will be a discover and I'm sure it will be great! Be sure that I won't hesitate to give you news from me and my little organisation! P.S. my charity organisation is called ""Nouveau Départ - Bagong Alis"" (New departure or Fresh Start in English) i have been reading your thread bec i was to interested in visa requirements so i have learnt alot also. Wish you luck in Palawan and good luck in your charity work in the RP they certainly need all the help they can get. It shocked me when i 1st went to Cebu.

I have no doubt that I am overpaying by Philippine standards. Though I appear to be inline with other Americans who are working with my husband. I am paying the maid and driver each P7000. So I don't feel to badly about asking for a couple Saturdays now and again. The maid takes lunch at the house and I have been slipping the driver money for lunch when we are out and about over lunch time. They seem to be happy. Though, I am not particulary astute at reading the Filipino psche. I am having a pretty steep learn curve on being assertive and instructing the help on what I would like done. They are both willing to do what I ask. I just need to get over feeling uncomfortable giving instruction. The joys of being from middle America. I will just have to quite polishing my tiara myself and ask for help. The cats occasionally sit on top of the wall and tease the dog. They always escape through the gate. Karika Bridgers - learning the ropes

et al, It seems that the process changes almost every year! the first extension used to cost something like P60 when I first began making extensions many years ago, then it went up to P510 and now it's P1,620 (I think). and the expedite fee has risen from P20 to P500. I used to get as many 1 month extensions I needed in one visit and last year they made me come back once a month. Now you say that you can get 2 months at a time? That's much better! The Bureau of Immigration in Cebu has been moved to Mandaue and it seems to take a little longer, longer lines anyway. When they were in the Customs house it seemed that there were very few people, and even less when they moved to the 4th floor of the bank building behind the city hall. They know me by name now, but they are also isolated behind glass. I understand that you can get a travel agent to do it for you too, but I've only done it myself. I'm planning my next visit for March for 2 months minimum, as usual... I'm engaged in an expansion of the store and can't wait to see the results of my over-the-phone design. I know that I'm not going to recognize it! We desperately needed the storage room and I'm adding a room for living space and CR as well. We already have a dirty kitchen, but it will be incorporated into the expansion. Any list members are more than welcome to visit once I get there, but we have no phone service in Mohon and I'll need an advance warning (at least my neighbors will need warning!). :) As an aside, the store is serving our community in ways that I had never intended or thought of when I built it. It serves as a community center now and is the focal point for all of Mohon. From the beginning I've used it to channel funds into various programs I've enjoyed being involved with in the community, mostly scholarships. We sponsor community basketball and volleyball teams and tournaments to keep young people busy. One of the traditions we started when the store opened was to give a small Christmas gift to our regular customers. They amount to about 150 families this year. Since I wasn't going to be there, my manager suggested that we not do it this year because our business is down a little. We have packaged 1/2 kilo of unbroken rice, a can of corned beef, a can of Vienna sausages along with a few candies and soap. I gave her a budget to go ahead with it and as soon as the word was out our business jumped by 20% (Folks wanting to be counted among our ""favored"" customers)! Total budget for this project, P4,000 (about $78). One of the best investments one could ever make IMHO! Merry Christmas!

Hi For Christmas someone gave me a $300 gift certificate at a store that only sells high performance jackets. So I am going to buy a jacket. I want it to be the only jacket I take with me to the Philippines. If you know what the weather is like there, I would like to ask for your advice on which type to buy. It seems I have a choice between a jacket that is more water proof and less breathable; or less water proof and more breathable. If I buy one that is more water proof it will be made out of a material called Gortex, if it is a jacket that is more breathable it will be made out of a material that is 400 times more breathable then Gortex and only half as water proof. Either way it will be what they call a shell, which means it is a thin, lightweight jacket that is completely wind proof. If I need it to be warmer I would just put layers of clothes underneath. Taking into consideration that this will be my only jacket for all seasons of the year, should I be more concerned with getting a jacket that is breathable and therefore not as hot; or a jacket that is completely water proof, less breathable and therefore hotter because my body heat and body moisture cannot escape as well? Thank you for your advice!

What part of the Philippines will you mainly stay? If north or Cebu, then may you need a more waterproof one since much of the year sees rain. In Mindanao, there is less rain. You probably want a waterproof one - when it's not raining you will probably not be wearing a jacket anyway.

Hi For Christmas someone gave me a $300 gift certificate at a store that only sells high performance jackets. So I am going to buy a jacket. I want it to be the only jacket I take with me to the Philippines. If you know what the weather is like there, I would like to ask for your advice on which type to buy. It seems I have a choice between a jacket that is more water proof and less breathable; or less water proof and more breathable. If I buy one that is more water proof it will be made out of a material called Gortex, if it is a jacket that is more breathable it will be made out of a material that is 400 times more breathable then Gortex and only half as water proof. Either way it will be what they call a shell, which means it is a thin, lightweight jacket that is completely wind proof. If I need it to be warmer I would just put layers of clothes underneath. Taking into consideration that this will be my only jacket for all seasons of the year, should I be more concerned with getting a jacket that is breathable and therefore not as hot; or a jacket that is completely water proof, less breathable and therefore hotter because my body heat and body moisture cannot escape as well?

Hi After reading your first pharagraph,I realized you need to read more weather forecast of my country. *smile*. I can guarantee you there will be no need of a jacket.A raincoat might help. Although Filipinos prepare to wear umbrella rain or shine. A long sleeve shirt will be helpful to keep the dust off. But that will just make you sweat....So I think just bring yourself with some M and M or Hugs and Kisses, you'll be fine. But if you have specific place to go let me know I might be able to advice you in detail.

In my last trip to the Philippines I took a sleeveless jackets or gillet, of the type that tends to be called a ""Fishing Jacket"" in the UK, in that it has loads of pockets, and is very light and breathable. It turned out to be very useful for carrying stuff around without getting too hot, and especially at airport security. Rather than muck around emptying out all my pockets of change, wallets, organizers, travel meds, travel docs etc etc I just slipped off the jacket and put it through the luggage scanner, and then just slipped it back on - much less hassle, and the guards seems very happy with the approach, mean while I walked through the metal detector without a ""bleep"" (also it can easily add a surreptitious couple of pounds of so to the cabin baggage allowance

Thanks for your agreement Vivian, I think, for the most part, guys like the two Rons, Don and others, are exactly the epitome of what we are referring to. I think most guys who marry Filipinas, especially those who have lived the culture, are these kinds of men. I know that there are always some who just want a slave, or want to control, etc., but that doesn't last, and most certainly doesn't bring any happiness or stability to anything. But, as evidenced by this list and the posts, there are so many very good, kind, caring and sharing people who have allot of compassion and love to give to their wives and others. It is truly gratifying to see this all happening before our eyes, especially this Christmas season when giving is certainly much more blessed than receiving. Vivian, I hope that you receive your special blessing also, especially for the good that you are doing. You are one of those who is thinking of others. Merry Christmas to all, with Love and Respect.

Thank you for the long post below. I am planning a Philippine trip for the spring. For fun I will visit and adventure in Moalboal, Cebu Island. But I also plan to visit some very good friends far back in the mountains of Negros. I know I will find some of the conditions you describe, but I really look forward to visiting my friends and living with them for a bit. Your tale of free water misinterpreted, misunderstood and threatening was revealing. I am a happy-go-lucky, naive guy to start with. Your tale was very educational to one such as I. Thanks again for sharing.

I thought I'd post to the Group my reply to your email because there may be some positive feedback which could be useful and I hope there will be some interest from others. I don't know your background so I hope I'm not just telling you things you already know. There must be a reason why you chose to come to the Philippines specifically and to Palawan. In any case I'm sure you'll be most welcome. Do you have contacts/friends here? You will have to be very strong and be very careful. One of the problems is the massive corruption in RP (Republic of the Philippines). Many government agencies will not move on anything unless the people involved can get money ""under the table"" Helping others can be perceived as a sign of weakness (which does not apply so much in our ""Western"" cultures, but don't forget RP culture is different). People will try to get things from you they don't deserve by making up stories if they see you as weak. Things don't very often run all that smoothly, you will need lots of patience. When trying to get the help of any Filipinos you must *first* spend a little time getting to know them. Ask about their family, use any kind of small talk you can think of to show some interest in the person, and try to remember what they tell you (e.g. if they talk about a relative by you remember it, then next meeting you can start by asking ""How is ?""). This kind of interaction will help you a lot and is very important if you want to be successful. *never* go straight in and talk business, especially at the first meeting. You should try to get hold of a book called ""Culture Shock"" which will give you some good information about RP culture. Anyway, I'll just tell you a little story about myself. I used to live in a very crowded area with a lot of poor people as neighbours, a kind of place where most foreigners would feel very uncomfortable or even afraid to enter. Most homes had no piped water and the town supply was very low pressure. After I installed an electric pump and storage tank in my house I decided to run a pipe outside the gate and placed a tap where my neighbours could fill their buckets and containers with free water. One day while I was outside a neighbour tried to stab me with a knife, but I was lucky because I had a very alert worker who, just in time, was able to wrestle the knife away from the guy who came from behind me. I was really surprised, thinking I had no enemies in that place. Then I discovered that this guy had been selling water (a few centavos per bucket) but lost his little business because of me. And for those few centavos it seemed he wanted to kill me, even though he had a regular job and was better off than most of the other neighbours. This kind of thing is very hard for us to work out. Maybe if I was a Filipino he would have talked to me about it but he felt unable to approach the ""rich"" foreigner, and he resented me because of his own feelings of inferiority. So, after getting drunk he tried to kill me. It's not just about the little money he lost but a combination of that and these other emotions. I think my analysis is correct but, who can be really sure? We (my Wife and I) brought a case against him, there were a couple of pre-trial hearings and then a third one at which he was supposed to have been indicted and locked up, but my Wife forgave him and we continued to live as neighbours for several more years without any further incident. BTW: My Wife mentioned here has since passed away (RIP), I'm not referring to Arlene. Vivian, I'm not trying to scare or discourage you. Just advising you to really know what you are doing and to do the right job. Get to know the community first, take it very slowly, step by step . . . I have personally been involved helping to give support to a government orphanage (which are all terribly under funded). Simple things like providing slippers for the kids who were all barefoot, some mosquito netting, an occasional sack of rice so they could eat a little better, some cheap foam rubber mattresses. Once I also aided a programme to help female inmates in one of the prisons so they could be given sewing classes to help them earn a little money. There are so very many possibilities for anyone who really wants to help. You can buy really cheap 2nd hand clothing in the markets - I doubt if it's really economical to ship clothes over here. Books are good if they know how to read, but you'll probably have to teach them first (assuming you're dealing with the very poor). This post was intended just as a little food for thought, I hope something useful comes out of it. Good luck and I wish you all possible success with your endeavour,

Hi aka Tata Ayong in soc.culture.filipino and alt.psst.hoy newsgroups. I'm a Filipino living in San Francisco and a couple of years away from retirement. I plan to live my retirement years in the Philippines. Whenever i make balikbayan trip, i always wear a light sweater underneath a light summer type jacket from the house to SFO airport. I take the jacket off once in the plane and leave the sweater on if i find the cabin temperature cold. Once in Manila, sweater and jacket stays in the luggage until the return trip to San Francisco. The only place in the Philippines where you might need a jacket is up in the mountains above 5,000 feet elevation like Baguio city. Go to http://www.inq7.net/wea/2001/dec/14/weather.htm and click on the city of your choice. In December and January, you might encounter frosts in the early morning hours up there in Baguio.

Hi One more time I have to thank you. All you've told in you last post is known by me. I think you've made a very good analysis of one part of the problems I will have to face to. I know perfectly them... and I keep my head on my shoulders (despite what I hear around) I don't go to RP just for some holidays or to spend the time. It is not so easy to let my children (even if they have their own life). If I do it, it's coz I think it's time for me to realize what I want since several years (even if I always kept a foot in charity work) Anyway, as I told in a previous post, and as you suggest, I give to myself several months to learn, ""to know the communtiy, step by step"" (as you said) : it's essential. I don't go to RP to import or impose my culture. About your little story : it's this kind of thing that I always keep in my mind. Despite of best intentions we are able to precipitate deasasters. I've already had this sort of experience. I know I must be very carefull. But this could happen as well in our countries. As you said there are many possibilities for anayone who wants to help. I WANT to help. I know I am enough strong even if I am sometimes too trusty (that's my weakness, but I try to heal me : I like the challenges !!) Don't worry Ron, you've not discouraged me. In fact I am more and more impatient to be in RP ! See you next, Ron. It's always a pleasure to read you.

these are all good pointers and some excellent advice. There are a variety of ways to share with others. One of the simplest is to support an agency who does the kind of work that you like. I recommend Childreach because that is the agency I started with many years ago, but there are other good ones like Children's Christian Fund for instance. This is a very sanitary and effective way to be involved. If you enjoy living in the 3rd world as an active member of a ""native"" community, there are still sanitary ways to be involved by contributing time or money to community projects. This can be a very safe and effective way to become involved. By sanitary I mean to be involved, but to keep yourself isolated. Agencies who are involved have had plenty of experience to know how to be involved and interact with the people they are helping. Step out on your own, and the ground may be uneven and scattered with landmines! Here is where you really need to do your homework and become intimate with your community and the culture you have adopted. This is the kind of homework you need to do if you wish to go into a business too. If you find yourself uncomfortable getting your hands soiled or becoming too familiar with life as it is there, there are the other ways to help and you can even find yourself a gated community that can totally isolate you. The seeming neighborly thing to do by providing free water can have unpredictable results as RonW discovered. Not that he did anything wrong...I think I would have done the same thing without giving it a second thought, but there are unbalanced people in every culture who may react in unpredictable ways. You would be wise to keep that in mind as you go about your business. Our water district does charge for water. It isn't much, but even it's price can be too much for some people, so we've installed a community pump beside the store where folks can get their water for free, just as they did before the water district. It has to be boiled for drinking, but most folks use it for washing and bathing. It's free and they have to do their own pumping! While RonW is absolutely correct about the corruption that permeates all levels of government bureaucracy, I do what I can to avoid contact and when I can't avoid them I'll participate. That's from an old Irish political practice from Irish-Bostonian days, ""If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"" The store in Mohon hosts council meetings of a nearby town on occasion by providing them rum, beer, snacks and a shady place to sit (and yes, they pay!). We've had no trouble from them at all and they have given us some excellent advice and help on occasion. Another name for this behavior that permeates Philippine politics is ""back scratching"". ""You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

I understand the power of a bag of rice. My husband and I have chosen to offer support to an orphanage and when we asked what the really wanted money or food. They said food items, Powdered Milk and Basic Medicine Cabinet items, items that can be difficult to get where they are. So we send boxes of items rather than money. I also have asked a women's club in the US to send donated items. We are still waiting to see if they come through. I suspect that actual money is a double sided gift, presenting more hassle than its value.

BlankRP's per capita income hardly rose since 1980 Posted: 6:13 AM (Manila Time) | December 14, 2001 By Rocky Nazareno Inquirer News Service FILIPINOS are no better off today than they were 21 years ago. This much is readily obvious, but by how much they are not better off is staggering. Sen. Ralph Recto said on Thursday the country's per capita income today is 12,913 pesos, which hardly rose from the 12,595 pesos it was in 1980. In today's pesos, the 318 pesos increase in 21 years amounts to nothing at all. In value, per capita income has dropped considerably. Recto pointed this out in his interpellation of Senate finance committee chair John Osmeña at Thursday's hearing on the proposed 2002 national budget. He said the government has maintained ""the old way of doing things, (with) excessive borrowings, more taxes, higher interest rates, skewed spending for agriculture and the interminable budgetary support to government corporations."" ""The executive department submitted a national expenditures program no different from that of previous administrations,"" Recto said. ""We want government to bring forth new ideas and alternative bold measures to combat poverty, unemployment, hunger, homelessness and ignorance,"" he said. He pointed out that the peso has depreciated by as much as 1,373 percent against the dollar since 1960. ""If we continue to follow the same tack of governance, I would not be surprised if the peso continues to depreciate further, per capita income remains the same and the incidence of poverty continues to widen,"" Recto said. The administration solon also noted that foreign borrowings now total 1.7 trillion pesos and local borrowings 1.59 trillion pesos as of August this year. ""With scheduled borrowings by the government in 2002 estimated to reach at least 272.9 billion pesos, the President's band of financial managers seems bent on driving us deeper into debt,"" Recto said. Recto's final statement is lacking in insight, I believe. You have to do have deficit spending when you have no money. Maybe it is not a good thing to do, but the only thing.

Hi, I just joined your group. Hope I am not asking a question that was already asked a dozen time before. I have not read all the previous emails yet... Let me first introduce myself. I am a 43 year old Belgian married to a Filipina. I am a printer & publishers and this year I decided to sell my business and start a new life in the Philippines. I hope to move to the Philippines on a permanent base from July 2002 on. I am trying to get a 13A Visa and was very surprised (frighten) to read Marc de Piolenc's email. I am intended to travel a bid in Asia and go back home (Belgium) once in a while. Do I realy need to get a re-entry permit every time I want to travel outside the Philippines? (surrender the permit & get him back when I return?) By the way what is a ACR & ICR ? As I want to work in the Philippines I thought the 13A Visa was my best option. Honestly I don't see myself checking in and out of your""rabbit warren"" each time I am leaving the Philippines. Can you confirm this is the case?

BlankDear friends, (If this has ""Blank"" in front of ""Dear"" as my post often do, would one of you who knows why please write me off line ad don.herrington@skyinet.net and tell me how to remove it? I certainly am not typing it there.) I know some of you who live here or plan to live here are tied into families or some area for a good reason. But if you had your choice, like many do, where do you feel you would like to live? My favorite place at the moment is Cebu City. I like it here because it is big enough but not too big, yet. And it is close to the water, not far from resorts on Mctaan and to the north. I like the people better here than in the north, but not really too much. The ones in the north are good too, but they are more friendly here. I don't like the storms in the north and we don't have many here. Since I have been here, the past 12 years they have been mild. I also like the very mild rainy season, not as mild as Davao, but mild compared to the north. I don't like the pollution that is getting worse and starting to get into all parts of the Cebu City, except the hills, rather far out. Odd there is so much pollution on an island. But except for the months of April, May and June, summer, dry season, there is little wind here, not enough to fly a light kite much less blow away the diesel fumes. And I am concerned about the water situation, very bad in Cebu and probably going to get worse. I think of moving south to maybe Davao City or Dumaguete City. Davao is still a city so I can still be a mall rat. And is much cheaper to live there than here, which makes it very cheap indeed. Dumaguete is pretty small but growing. And I do like a university town, though there is only one very big one there unlike the many here. It is too cheap there to talk about. Sometimes I think about moving to the north part of the island or Cebu, and living near the beach. But Ani is in college here, so that is out even if I wanted, at least for a while. Baguio in the north has it hands down for the summer. There is no more beautiful place in the Philippines, unless it is the rice terraces above Baguio and they don't have malls. I would not even visit again in the winter time. I feel uncomfortable in Baguio in the wet winter, not just the climate but the mud slides. I have not been to Bacalod, close to here, but from what I know and read about it, it sounds like a great place, especially if you are interested in small sail boats. I understand there is some New People's Army activity south of there, but have heard of no incidents. Ilio Ilio across the channel is very good too, I understand. I have a standing invitation to visit friends there, but just have not been able to as yet. And then there is Angeles City, the nightlife center of the Philippines. If I were younger, I might go back for another taste of that. But it is not really the Philippines, just a play land, not reflective of the country at all. The former Air Force base, Clark, is still probably the best place to do serious bike riding in the Philippines. The ultra lites are fun and the international community, if you can and like to deal with fellow expats, is more compact than even Manila. I also like the way the Subic area has developed. But it is still in the storm area. The pollution is almost nil by the beach, and the beaches are accessible and nice. Up north below Baguio is San Fernando La Union. Living in Baguio in the Summer and La Union in the rainy season is an option I have considered in the past. But now that I have been in the Visayas, I don't think I will ever live in the north again. Despite the excitement, the loads of everything in Manila, I don't think I would live in that extreme pollution and crowding again. But it does have its attraction. I know I have missed some interesting spots like Puerto Gallera and some exotic ones like Palawan. And I know many of you have different opinions than mine. I have not even mentioned the option of living in a very rural area, attractive even to me. If you have time and interest, please let us know where would you like to live or do live and why?

Hello all, I will be making my 3rd trip to the philippines visiting family and investigatiing sites for future retirement and just having fun in general. My wife wants to be close to the family when we retire so we are considering The La Union area. Is there anyone in the group who lives there that I can tap for their knowledge on the area just north and south of San Fernando. Don thanks for your overview. I have been to Cebu twice and would love to settle outside Cebu City, in either the north or south part a of the island, but because of the above mentioned family issues it just doesn't seem practical, but your insights are really appreciated and any more you have will be considered with great attention. I must say to this site will make the transition from living in the States to the Philippines a much easier one. I have got answers to a lot of nagging questions that have gone unanswered until now. Thanks again for all your guys efforts.